diff --git a/.machine_readable/CLADE.a2ml b/.machine_readable/CLADE.a2ml
index c6e9c55..64df703 100644
--- a/.machine_readable/CLADE.a2ml
+++ b/.machine_readable/CLADE.a2ml
@@ -24,3 +24,24 @@ bitbucket = "hyperpolymath/a2ml-validate-action"
 type = "standalone"
 parent = "RSR template — scaffold for new repos"
 born = "2026-03-16"
+
+# Lifecycle status (added by clade-status-backfill; see gv-clade-index ADR 0006).
+# Identity (uuid) and status are SEPARATE layers: uuid is immortal; phase is a
+# mutable pointer. No phase is terminal (extinct -> active is a legal "Gitassic
+# Park" transition on the same uuid). A rename is NOT a phase change — the old
+# prefixed-name goes to aliases[], uuid and phase are untouched.
+[status]
+# One of: reserved incubating active dormant | merged superseded archived extinct
+phase = "active"
+since = "2026-03-16"
+present = true
+aliases = []
+merged-into = ""
+superseded-by = ""
+successors = []
+ended = ""
+
+[[status.history]]
+phase = "active"
+since = "2026-03-16"
+note = "backfilled default — correct if the true phase differs"