Council of Elders

The Council of Elders is the assembly of Na'vi elders, either within a single clan or between clans. The group is designated to make decisions in exceptional situations.

Description

So far two types of tribal councils are known:

• Council of Elders (general) - Its exact composition is unknown; certainly the Tsahìk participate, perhaps also the chiefs of the clans. This council decides on matters such as giving a homeless clan a new Hometree.
• War council: A council made up of tribal Olo'eyktans and the most renowned warriors who consult the Tsahìk council. Selected people speak on behalf of each of these groups. This council is convened in the face of a threat that may affect more Na'vi clans to decide how to fight.

History

In the known history of the Avatar universe, several separate councils were convened in a short period of time in 2168. During the first of these, Pentìyaru, on behalf of the council of elders, granted the Omatikaya clan a new Hometree, but she commissioned Mo'at to announce the news to his clan.

Shortly thereafter, as spaceships carrying a new wave of humans from Earth approached Pandora, Jake Sully called a council of war under the Tree of Souls. In addition to Jake, his son Neteyam, Clan chief Olangi Akwey, Clan leader Tayrangi Ikeyni, and Yeyatley attended, speaking on behalf of all the chiefs. In deciding whether to take action to stop human re-invasion and what action to take, the council consulted the Tsahìk, for whom Pentìyaru spoke. Remembering the tragic consequences of the battle for the Tree of Souls, the decision was eventually made to stop the attack and try to keep the peace, much to Jake's fury.