“No Chief Stands Alone”

No Chief Stands Alone

INITIATION DRAFT — Ayaawx Law page describing the principle that leadership is collective, accountable, and never exercised by one person alone.

Core Principle

In Tsm̱syen ayaawx, **no chief stands alone.** A chief (simgyaget) does not rule by himself, speak by himself, or act without the authority of the wilp and the guidance of its leaders.

A chief’s strength comes from:

• the matriarchs (sigyidm hana̱'a̱),
• the supporting leaders (sgigithanauk, helpers, advisors),
• the broader wilp membership,
• the father and grandfather clans,
• and the witnesses who validate decisions.

Without them, there is **no lawful decision**.

Why a Chief Cannot Stand Alone

A chief is:

• a **speaker for the House**, not a ruler,
• an **embodiment of a name**, not the owner of it,
• a **caretaker of lineage**, not an individual authority.

Any action taken alone:

• risks dishonour (łoomsk),
• violates ayaawx,
• weakens the House,
• and may require correction (ha’lidzap).

Role of the Matriarchs

The sigyidm hana̱'a̱ hold equal or greater authority within the House. They:

• guide decisions,
• approve or halt speeches,
• correct leadership quietly,
• instruct youth,
• and protect the moral direction of the House.

If the matriarchs disagree with a plan, the chief **cannot** proceed.

Roles of Supporting Leaders

Other House officers, such as the sgigithanauk, ensure:

• proper protocol,
• accurate speech,
• correct sequence,
• and that no action disrupts the larger feast structure.

Leaders distribute responsibility so no one person carries the weight incorrectly.

Witnesses Confirm Authority

Witnesses make decisions lawful. Without witnesses:

• a transfer is incomplete,
• a claim is unverified,
• and a statement holds no authority.

A chief cannot “declare” anything alone — it must be witnessed and acknowledged.

Feast Law

Inside the li’ligit or luulgyit:

• chiefs do not speak first,
• chiefs do not speak without instruction,
• chiefs do not rise alone,
• speeches are coordinated,
• the House presents itself in unity.

A chief speaking alone disrupts order and may cause shame.

When a Chief Violates This Principle

If a chief acts alone:

• the House may correct him (ha’lidzap),
• the matriarchs may step in,
• neighbouring Houses may object,
• a Soup Feast may be required to repair harm,
• in extreme cases, lineage names may be withheld or re-examined.

This protects the integrity of the House, not the ego of one person.

Modern Relevance

Today, this principle prevents:

• misuse of leadership positions,
• colonial-style “chief and council” behaviour,
• individuals acting without House authority,
• misrepresentation in negotiations or public meetings,
• outsiders misunderstanding Tsm̱syen governance.

Leadership remains collective, relational, and accountable.

Summary

A chief stands **with**:

• the matriarchs,
• the House,
• the clans,
• the witnesses,
• the elders,
• the youth.

Never alone.

Notes

INITIATION DRAFT — Will expand with House-specific teachings and historical examples of collective leadership.