Restorative approaches to modern environmental and social harms
Restorative Approaches to Modern Environmental and Social Harms
Under Ts’msyen law, harm—whether environmental or social—is addressed through restoration rather than exclusion. Restorative approaches arise from *ayaawx* and seek to repair relationships, restore balance, and prevent future harm.
Modern harms may be complex, large-scale, or long-term, but they remain subject to Ts’msyen law and restorative responsibility.
Foundational Understanding
Ayaawx does not treat harm as an abstract violation.
Harm is understood as:
- disruption of relationships
- imbalance between people, land, and beings
- injury to present and future generations
Restoration is the lawful response to imbalance.
Scope of Modern Harms
Modern harms may include:
- industrial or environmental damage
- contamination of land or waters
- displacement or loss of access
- social harm within communities
- breakdown of trust or accountability
- cumulative or intergenerational impacts
Complexity does not remove responsibility.
Principles of Restoration
Restorative approaches are guided by these principles:
- acknowledgment of harm
- acceptance of responsibility
- commitment to correction
- participation of those affected
- proportional response
- long-term stewardship
Restoration without responsibility is incomplete.
Environmental Restoration
For environmental harms, restorative approaches may include:
- cessation or modification of harmful activity
- cleanup and repair of damaged places
- rehabilitation of ecosystems
- long-term monitoring and care
- ceremonial acknowledgment of harm
- renewed stewardship obligations
Repair must match the scale of harm.
Social Restoration
For social harms, restorative approaches may include:
- acknowledgment of wrongdoing
- dialogue between affected parties
- compensation or restitution
- correction of conduct
- rebuilding trust through action
- reaffirmation of community responsibility
Casting people away deepens harm.
Role of the Wilp
Wilp play a central role in restoration.
They:
- hold members accountable
- organize correction and restitution
- guide respectful engagement
- ensure restoration is carried through
- participate in witness and ceremony
Restoration without structure fails.
Role of Elders
Elders guide restorative processes by:
- interpreting ayaawx
- recalling precedent through adaawx
- ensuring proportionality
- protecting dignity of all parties
- keeping focus on future generations
Elder guidance anchors restoration in law.
Witness and Public Accountability
Restorative outcomes gain legitimacy through:
- public acknowledgment
- feast or gathering
- witness by other houses and clans
- clear articulation of obligations
Witness transforms intent into law.
Addressing Cumulative and Ongoing Harm
Where harm is ongoing or cumulative:
- restoration must be sustained
- responsibility may be shared
- monitoring and adaptation are required
- repeated correction may be necessary
Restoration is a process, not a single act.
Relationship to External Systems
Where external legal or regulatory systems exist:
- restoration under ayaawx remains primary
- participation does not surrender jurisdiction
- external remedies do not replace restoration
- Ts’msyen law defines success
Compliance alone is not restoration.
Teaching Through Restoration
Restorative responses become part of adaawx.
They teach:
- consequences of imbalance
- importance of accountability
- pathways back into relationship
- limits of exploitation
Law is strengthened through repair.
Living Responsibility
Restorative approaches are living expressions of ayaawx.
They:
- heal land and relationships
- maintain community integrity
- protect future generations
- reinforce lawful conduct
Where restoration is pursued, balance can return. Where it is avoided, harm continues.