Feast House Etiquette

Feast House Etiquette

INITIATION DRAFT — Ayaawx Law page describing the expected conduct, behaviour, and responsibilities within a feast house or gathering space.

Core Principle

Feast House Etiquette is the living expression of laxha (respect) and wila waal (proper conduct). How a person behaves inside a feast reflects:

• their łoomsk (honour),
• the honour of their wilp,
• the teachings of their matriarchs (sigyidm hana̱'a̱),
• and their understanding of ayaawx.

Etiquette is not decoration — it is **lawful behaviour** that protects the dignity of the feast.

Entering the Feast Hall

When entering a feast:

• move respectfully,
• keep your voice low,
• acknowledge elders with a nod or quiet greeting,
• do not run or rush,
• remove hats unless medically required,
• turn off or silence phones,
• avoid drawing attention to yourself.

Entering a feast is entering a **lawful space**.

Seating Protocol

Seating reflects:

• rank,
• lineage,
• hosting responsibilities,
• and feast structure.

General guidelines:

• the hosting wilp sits together,
• visiting Houses sit in designated areas,
• elders sit near the front or central positions,
• youth sit where they can learn without disrupting,
• speakers (sgigithanauk) sit where they can be heard clearly.

Never take a seat reserved for another House or elder.

Speaking Etiquette

Inside the feast:

• do not interrupt speakers,
• do not whisper loudly,
• do not speak over witnesses,
• do not correct someone publicly unless you hold the lawful authority to do so.

Speech follows strict order: 1. The hosting House 2. Speakers and witnesses 3. Visiting Houses (when invited) 4. Anyone else only with permission

Unauthorized speaking disrupts ayaawx.

Movement During the Feast

Movement should be:

• slow,
• quiet,
• purposeful.

Do not:

• wander,
• pace,
• walk behind speakers,
• block dancers or carriers,
• distract witnesses.

Youth should sit still unless asked to help.

Behaviour During Naxnok and Dances

When naxnok or dances begin:

• remain silent,
• do not film unless permission is given,
• do not walk in front of performers,
• do not clap unless the family has requested it,
• focus your attention on the performance — it is a form of adaawx.

These are **living histories**, not entertainment.

Responsibilities of Youth

Youth are expected to:

• help serve food,
• assist elders,
• carry out tasks given by matriarchs,
• sit quietly when not helping,
• observe order and structure,
• learn roles for future feasts.

Youth behaviour reflects the future of their House.

Responsibilities of Adults

Adults must:

• model conduct for youth,
• respect all Houses present,
• avoid conflicts or tension inside the hall,
• listen carefully during speeches,
• support the matriarchs and hosts,
• avoid alcohol or intoxication before entering.

Improper adult behaviour damages the honour of the House.

Responsibilities of Elders

Elders:

• guide behaviour through example,
• correct quietly when needed,
• support House leaders,
• ensure youth understand what is happening,
• oversee distribution (Gwiikxw),
• and help keep the feast lawful.

Their presence stabilizes the hall.

Gift Distribution Etiquette

During Gwiikxw:

• remain seated until called,
• accept gifts with gratitude,
• do not complain about the amount or type,
• do not interrupt the speaker,
• treat the moment with dignity.

Distribution is a legal acknowledgment, not a financial transaction.

Eating Etiquette

While food is served:

• wait until your row or table is invited,
• do not rush or cut ahead,
• assist elders and children,
• keep noise low,
• remain seated while others are served.

Food in a feast is part of the lawful process, not casual dining.

Leaving the Feast Hall

When leaving:

• thank the hosts if appropriate,
• avoid loud or disruptive behaviour outside,
• do not speak poorly about the feast in public immediately afterward,
• give space for families to clean, close, and settle the hall.

Departing respectfully protects the honour of the evening.

When Etiquette is Broken

If behaviour violates ayaawx:

• correction (ha’lidzap) may be given,
• the family or individual may be spoken to quietly,
• a Soup Feast may be needed to restore balance.

Correction is not punishment — it restores dignity and prevents future harm.

Notes

INITIATION DRAFT — Will expand with House-specific traditions, regional variants, and teachings from matriarchs and feast leaders.