'Structure of the Tribe'

Text selected from

'A study of peoples far and wide'

by Ulminster Oxbridge

THE STRUCTURE OF THE TRIBE

The Tribal Voice

Such discussions have been known to go on for hours but it is the responsibility of the Tribal Voice to speak for the many. The Tribal Voice must listen to all that would speak at the fire. The Tribal voice has the final say, but the words they choose should be selected from the words of the many. 'All voices made into one, all voices spoken as one, so the many can be one, so that the Tribe shall move together.'

The title of Tribal Voice is most commonly held for one year. During this time the bearer is afforded respect in return for the acceptance of responsibility. The Tribal Voice must act as negotiator with other groups. The Voice must act as judge when different members of the tribe have a grievance. The Voice must act as chairman at meetings and gatherings. The voice is bearer of the talking stick and has a deciding vote when an argument is tied. The Voice may grant titles to other tribe members and accept the trusted few that are given the title of honorary member. The Voice may declare a Ceremony of Two-fires or call for ancient rites. The Voice decides where camp is made and when it is broken. The Voice may be called on to perform rites of passage or to bear witness to make oaths binding.

Throughout all this apparent power however the Voice must still act as the will of the group. The Voice must talk with the tribe at the First-fire and tell what it is they plan to do, the many voices must be heard before the one speaks. The Voice is both leader and follower.

Once the talking is done, presuming that agreement is reached, then it is time for the Voice to speak. When all the ceremony has been done and the Voice speaks, the Tribe will act. In this way the words of the Tribal voice are binding. There are many ways, for those who do not wish to follow the voice, that a person can leave the First-fire. This parting of ways causes no loss of respect or resentment and ensures that when the voice speaks the tribe act.

Obviously the degree to which these traditions are followed is dependant on the group, however I have found that the most successful groups follow the ancient ways, these groups are the strongest and least likely to suffer at the hands of those who would cause the Tribe harm.

The appointment of next Tribal Voice is the last decision of the current Voice. The choice has on occasion seemed arbitrary and devoid of reason however I believe it is part of the Voices responsibility to choose the best person for the tribes development.