Ayaawx Overview
AYA’AWX – The Laws of Right Living
These teachings are old. They live in stories, in names, in the way we sit together and listen.
What is Aya’awx?
Aya’awx is more than “law.” It is *how to live* — in balance with one another, the land, our ancestors, and the houses that hold us.
It teaches:
- **Respect**
- **Truthfulness**
- **Generosity**
- **Discipline**
- **Responsibility**
- **Consequences and restoration**
Aya’awx cannot be “owned” by any one person; it is held by the **Elders**, **houses**, and **names** that carry it forward.
Core Principles
Below are the fundamental laws shared across the Tsm’syen:
1. Law of Respect (Wila Waalit)
- Respect for Elders
- Respect for names, songs, poles, and histories
- Respect for the land and waters
- Respect for each person’s role in the house
“How you speak is a reflection of your house.”
2. Law of Responsibility (Wila Waals)
Every person belongs to a house, and every house has responsibilities:
- care for members
- manage territories
- uphold clan balance
- maintain names and histories
- protect resources for future generations
Responsibility is inherited, not chosen.
3. Law of Generosity – We Are the Give-Away People
Generosity is a law, not a suggestion.
A person who hoards loses honour. A person who gives gains strength, allies, and name power.
This law governs:
- feasts
- gifts
- compensation
- reconciliations
- house wealth
4. Law of Conduct (How to Walk Properly)
- Humility
- Speaking politely
- Clear mind, clean actions
- Bringing honour to your family and house
- No boasting — let others lift your name
Our Elders say: “Your behaviour is your lineage walking.”
5. Law of Names and Roles
Taking a name is taking a **role**, a **responsibility**, and a **history**.
“When you carry the name, the name carries you.”
Names:
- determine your duties
- link you to ancestors
- connect you to territories
- appear in stories for generations
6. Law of Restorative Justice (Healing After Harm)
We fix harm by:
- acknowledgment
- dialogue between houses
- witness
- restitution
- restoring balance
Punishment is not our law — **restoration is**. Balance must return between houses or trouble follows.
7. Law of Women’s Authority
Women of standing:
- confirm names
- choose or deny leaders
- guide feasts
- uphold lineage
- decide on matters of marriage, adoption, and inheritance
Women’s words carry law.
8. Law of Youth and Learning
Children and youth must be taught:
- proper conduct
- house responsibilities
- Sm’algyax
- stories and village histories
- respect for all living things
Youth are obligated to listen, and adults are obligated to teach.
9. Law of Land and Water (La̱x Yaa Ayaawx)
The land is a library of law. Every village, mountain, fishing site, and berry patch carries:
- a story
- a name
- a house connection
- a responsibility
Land cannot be sold; it can only be cared for.
10. Law of Balance Between Houses
Clans and houses must remain in balance:
- no house should dominate
- marriages maintain relationships
- feasts address conflict
- compensation repairs imbalance
Balance is the backbone of peace.
Why We Teach the Laws
Read the full reflection on teaching Aya’awx
How Aya’awx Has Been Passed Down
Aya’awx is taught through:
- Adaawx (true histories)
- feasts
- Elders’ teaching
- names
- watching how people carry themselves
- the land itself
These teachings adapt over time but never lose their core.
Contribute to This Section
You can add:
- teachings from your Elders
- house-specific laws (without naming private matters)
- examples from stories
- photos, audio, or explanations
- the lessons behind place names
- guidance for youth
- protocols your family still follows
This page is meant to grow — like a living house.