Hereditary Structure
Wilnaat'ał - Wilksi'watk
The foundation of Tsm'syen - Ayaawk are the matriarchs.
The eldest daughter & son of the presiding matriarch are Łgu Waalksic (direct inheritor of high-ranking name & status), but should they not meet the requirements - or decline the responsibility of leading, then K'aaba Waalksic (many young nobles - initiate - start training) are considered, in order of age.
-
Sm'oogit'm Hana'ak - Nts'is Hotk (eldest)
-
Sigid'm Hana'ak - Wilx Püün (2nd eldest)
-
Sigid'm Hana'ak - Nts'is Xsynathk (3rd eldest)
The Matriarchs Children
Assuming Łgu Waalksik did not meet the requirements, the eldest of the Wilx Püün are considered; if that does not work, the eldest of Nts'is Xsynathk are next. Lastly, assuming these candidates do not meet the requirements, we got back to the top (Nts'is Hotk) and repeat the process with the 2nd eldest children and so forth...
Training began as early as eleven years old. Within this time, it is incumbent upon the Laxgigyet (in need of learning & training) to understand the land & resources, Adaawx, songs & dances relating to their House.
Separate Rites
There were separate training programs for Sigid'm Hana'ak (different woman) & Sm'gigyet (real declarer people), in separate Lüülgit (feasts - ceremonial - political). However, Sigid'm Hana'ak decided whether or not training took place at all, oversaw everyones progress, determined whether more training was required, and was the only person with the power to declare someone as Sm'oogit (real declarer person).
Her decisions were binding and absolute - never to be mentioned again, but there was still much flexibility in the system, to allow of robust adaption under many circumstances.
Wilnaat'ał (interrelated matrilineal blood ties) refers to the line of mothers that came before you and their extended relatives. Wilksi'waatk (where one comes from) refers to your father-clan.
In Recent Times
Herbert Wallace was one of the last to hold the title Ks'goog'm Sim'oogit - Ni'is Yaga'naat.
He realized there was not a matriarch in place to perpetuate the bloodline. So, extended bloodlines were considered.
Isabelle Campbell was transfered into our House. She comes from Waap'm Nege'xt - Leka'gigyet (counsellor class). The blood ties were so strong, that this would not have been considered an "adoption," but more of transference (such words for adoptions and transferences in Sm'algyax will be provided shortly).
