Roles of Father Clan and Grandfather Clan

INITIATION DRAFT — This page outlines the traditional roles of the Father Clan and Grandfather Clan within Tsm’syen society. These roles provide balance, protection, and guidance to a child throughout their life. This is a base version. It will grow as more teachings and community reflections are added.

Tsm’syen identity is matrilineal — you belong to **your mother’s clan and wilp**.

But the Father Clan and Grandfather Clan hold essential supporting roles that guide, protect, and steady a person as they grow. These roles create a system of relational accountability and balance that spans families, clans, and Houses.

---

The Father Clan — Protectors and Correctors

A child’s Father Clan holds a role of **gentle correction and guidance**.

They:

watch over the child with care,
teach proper behaviour,
offer neutral correction when the home is under stress,
provide balance when matriarchs or close relatives cannot intervene,
act as protectors during conflict,
and support the child through major life transitions.

The Father Clan does not discipline harshly. Their correction is meant to:

steady,
redirect,
and encourage.

They are like uncles who step in when help is needed, but always with kindness.

A child should feel safe approaching their Father Clan. Their role is **protection through guidance**.

---

The Grandfather Clan — Teachers, Advisors, and Supporters

The Grandfather Clan carries a role of **deep teaching and moral grounding**.

They:

teach history and ayaawx,
remind the child of their responsibilities,
help shape humility and generosity,
guide behaviour during youth,
support House obligations,
and often have the authority to correct more serious misconduct.

Grandfather Clan members are respected as:

calm voices,
balanced teachers,
and cultural anchors.

Their correction is not emotional — it is traditional and rooted in experience.

In the feast system, the Grandfather Clan often affirms or supports decisions made within the child’s mother’s House.

---

Balance Between the Two Clans

The Father Clan and Grandfather Clan work together to support a child’s growth.

The Father Clan:

protects the child,
disciplines lightly,
keeps them safe.

The Grandfather Clan:

teaches the deeper lessons,
reinforces ayaawx,
and shapes long-term character.

This creates **three layers of guidance**:

The mother's wilp (primary identity and law)
The Father Clan (protection and light correction)
The Grandfather Clan (deep teaching and grounding)

A child surrounded by all three grows with balance.

---

When Correction Is Required

If a youth behaves improperly or brings shame, the Father Clan and Grandfather Clan play key roles.

The Father Clan:

speaks gently,
redirects behaviour,
restores calm.

The Grandfather Clan:

delivers firm teachings,
reminds the youth of their lineage,
and helps restore balance.

This prevents:

internal conflict in the home,
harsh punishment driven by emotion,
and confusion about who holds responsibility.

The two supporting clans act as **stabilizers**.

---

Roles in Feasts and Ceremonies

During feasts:

the Father Clan may help seat the child or speak supportively,
the Grandfather Clan acknowledges the child's lineage,
and both clans witness major events such as:

 - name transfers,
 - adoptions,
 - marriages,
 - funerals.

They provide:

protection,
guidance,
and public recognition of the child’s standing.

Nothing important happens without witnesses — and the Father and Grandfather Clans are key witnesses in a person’s life.

---

Modern Confusion and Loss of These Roles

Colonial systems disrupted these relational structures.

Modern challenges include:

Father Clan roles being forgotten or confused,
Grandfather Clan teachings being lost,
youth not knowing whom to approach for guidance,
clan boundaries blurred by band politics,
and correction coming from the wrong people.

Rebuilding these roles strengthens:

identity,
accountability,
and emotional safety for youth.

---

Why These Roles Matter Today

Youth need:

voices outside the immediate home,
men they can trust and learn from,
balanced correction,
cultural grounding,
and relational safety.

Re-establishing Father and Grandfather Clan roles:

reduces conflict,
restores cultural clarity,
strengthens wilp identity,
and ensures proper teaching moves to the next generation.

---

Notes on Evolution

This INITIATION DRAFT will expand as more detailed teachings and examples are brought forward. Small refinements will not trigger rewriting. A full rewrite will occur when deeper knowledge requires a stronger, more complete version.

Roles of Father Clan and Grandfather Clan

Contents