Wilp Membership
Wilp Membership
A Wilp is the fundamental governance, social, and legal unit of the Tsm’syen (Tsimshian) people. Membership in a Wilp follows ayaawx, which defines identity, responsibilities, territory, rights, and obligations.
Matrilineal Descent
Wilp membership is traditionally passed through the mother’s line. A person belongs to:
- Their mother’s Wilp
- Their mother’s clan (Pdeex)
- Their mother’s crest and histories
This lineage determines:
- Inheritance of names
- Rights to territories (lax’yip)
- Participation in feasts
- Responsibilities in governance
Birth and Belonging
A child becomes a member of the Wilp at birth. Membership includes:
- Crest identity
- Adaawx (house histories)
- Access to house territories
- Duties toward other members
If parents are from different clans, the child still follows the mother’s Wilp.
Adoption into a Wilp
Adoption is an accepted process under ayaawx, but it is formal and witnessed.
Reasons for Adoption
- To replace a lost lineage member
- To fulfill house responsibilities
- To take on names or roles
- To honour long-standing relationships
Requirements
- Approval by the Sm’ooygit (house chief)
- Support from senior house members
- Public acknowledgement at a feast
- Witness compensation
Adoption does not erase the person’s original identity but integrates them fully into the new Wilp for purposes of law and responsibility.
Responsibilities of Wilp Members
Membership is not only identity — it is duty. Wilp members must:
- Support the Sm’ooygit and house decisions
- Protect the house’s lax’yip (territory)
- Uphold and pass on adaawx
- Represent the Wilp at feasts
- Maintain peace and balance with other houses
Members also contribute to feasts, compensate in justice matters, and uphold the reputation of the Wilp.
Rights of Wilp Members
Wilp members hold important rights, including:
- Use of house territories
- Protection under house law
- Participation in name feasts
- Eligibility to carry names or roles
- Inheritance of songs, dances, crests
These rights are collective, not individual — they exist because the Wilp recognizes the member.
Marriage and Wilp Membership
Marriage does not change a person’s Wilp. A woman remains in her Wilp even if she marries outside it.
However:
- Her children belong to her Wilp
- Her husband maintains full belonging in his own Wilp
This maintains balance between houses and prevents lineage disruption.
Moving Between Wilps
Movement between Wilps is rare and strictly regulated.
It may occur when:
- A Wilp is facing extinction
- A lineage must be restored
- The Sm’ooygit grants permission and witnesses confirm
Movement requires:
- A formal feast
- Public explanation
- Compensation to the affected Wilps
Wilp Membership Lists
Traditionally, membership is maintained through:
- Oral histories
- Adaawx
- Names
- Feast records
- Testimony of senior members
Modern written lists must still respect ayaawx principles.
Relation to Governance
A Wilp is:
- A political unit
- A territorial unit
- A ceremonial unit
- A legal unit
Membership determines:
- Representation in feasts
- Standing in territorial matters
- Eligibility for leadership roles
- Responsibility for justice and compensation
Wilp membership is the foundation of Tsm’syen governance.