Kneon

---

The clan system of the Ssairey-ehzrik does not involve institutional leadership. Rather, clan branches have different judicial groups who only step in to prosecute or to advise in certain situations. Other duties are handed off to several individuals at each branch whose positions are rotated among a volunteer group throughout the seasons. The most populous branch that is dispersed among the Great Divide is presided over by Neahn-ssohqwi and Zhink-ssohqwi. The judges often take titles of their names transliterated into Gik'mra, the Ssairey indigenous language, and any judge is referred to with a "ssohqwi" suffix to denote their role.

Ssairey-ehzrik (lit. Ssairey-gathering) is a general term which refers to any number of residents who belong to the branches, but it is most often used to describe those that live in the Great Divide. More transient members are called by the name Ssairey-wak'ohp (lit. Ssairey-aloft).

"Taguu ss'uu Ssairey-ehzrik dwapne'yi, ideg ta meh maiyoh zha ss'uu qwimuu-yitt?" may be said when someone goes comes or goes from the clan's branches. This phrase can have several meanings depending on its use and context at time of speaking. The commonly accepted translation is along the lines of: "In the eyes of the Ssairey-ehzrik, are you a tie or the one that severs?" Although, it literally means: "In the Ssairey-gathering eyes-(of theirs), are you a knot or the bondcutter-enemy?" It is most often spoken in greetings or goodbyes where it doesn't require a response, but it sees other uses in proposals for relationships that are romantic, platonic, marital, or familial. The modifier after qwimuu also tends to change with the situation as it could be considered an insult in specific circumstances. By Ssairey-ehzrik standards, it would be very inappropriate to talk to your potential partner or family member so harshly with yitt, so the modifier is usually substituted with something more lighthearted like qwuu(eh) or ahgmik. The traditional meaning of the phrase has been lost with time, but it still stands as an expression which questions the connection of two or more living things.

The Ssairey-ehzrik, while surviving many cultural shifts among themselves, value knowing where loyalties and intentions lie. Knots, ropes, and long lengths of fabric symbolize these connections through members and beyond the clan. In larger branches, there are displays of intricate, woven pieces in important buildings. They serve as each branch's representation of their individual communities- incorporating different materials and types of weaving or tying patterns that have meanings unique to their location. However, the branches also encourage others to determine their own interpretation of each woven piece. In doing so, it is believed that these varying views make the fabric of the community stronger as forcing conformity is looked down upon.