Smoke Feasts

Soup Feasts (Smoke Feasts)

INITIATION DRAFT — Ayaawx Law page explaining the purpose, structure, and authority of Soup Feasts, also known historically as Smoke Feasts.

What is a Soup Feast?

A **Soup Feast** — traditionally called a Smoke Feast — is a smaller, focused gathering held before a full li’ligit or luulgyit. It prepares the ground for the larger feast, settles internal matters, and ensures everything is correct before actions become public.

A Soup Feast is not casual. It is **lawful work** done in a quieter setting with light food (often soup).

Purpose

Soup Feasts exist to:

• resolve internal matters within the wilp,
• prepare for a larger public feast,
• confirm decisions before they are announced,
• correct errors privately before witnesses arrive,
• assign roles and review speeches,
• teach youth how feasting actually works,
• strengthen relationships and obligations.

Who Attends

Usually:

• the host wilp,
• allied or neighbouring Houses,
• father and grandfather clan representatives,
• senior women (sigyidm hana̱'a̱),
• the simgyaget and supporting leaders,
• selected witnesses.

Smaller attendance means deeper work.

Work Done in a Soup Feast

During a Soup Feast the House may:

• finalize seating order for the main feast,
• confirm lineage statements and speeches,
• assign sgigithanauk and helpers,
• determine the amount and type of Gwiikxw,
• review name, land, or title obligations,
• settle disagreements before going public.

A Soup Feast protects the honour (łoomsk) of the House.

Why Soup Feasts Matter

They ensure:

• nothing is rushed,
• ayaawx is followed,
• mistakes do not occur in the larger feast,
• youth learn structure,
• the wilp remains dignified and prepared.

Soup Feasts are the **planning court**, while the larger feast is the **public court**.

Modern Relevance

Today, Soup Feasts are common because:

• families are busy,
• resources are limited,
• they fit modern schedules,
• they preserve tradition in practical form,
• they remain essential for preparing memorials and name transfers.

The food may be modern — the ayaawx is not.

Notes

INITIATION DRAFT — Will expand with local teachings and family traditions.