Liz Hammond-Kaarremaa's The Teachings of Mutton: A Coast Salish Woolly Dog tells the remarkable story of "Mutton," the only known pelt of a Coast Salish Woolly Dog. Known as sqʷəmey̓ in the Hul'q'umi'num language, this rare pelt remained in the archives of the Smithsonian Institution for 150 years. Until now, there has been little published research on this unique domesticated dog. Bred and carefully protected by Coast Salish peoples for thousands of years, the Woolly Dog played a vital cultural role. According to Indigenous Oral Histories of the Pacific Northwest, its thick, wool-like fur was used for weaving blankets, robes, and regalia. Despite the deep care taken to preserve the breed, the Woolly Dog is believed to have become extinct by the early 1900s due to the impacts of colonialism.

Hammond-Kaarremaa's co-authors include Knowledge Keepers, Elders, and weavers from the Musqueam, Squamish, Stó:lō, Suquamish, Cowichan, Katzie, Snuneymuxw, and Skokomish communities. By bringing Mutton's story into the present, Hammond-Kaarremaa, alongside her collaborators, weaves together an informative depiction of Indigenous science, dog husbandry, and the profound impacts of the devastating loss of the beloved Woolly Dog.

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Details:

• Author: Liz Hammond-Kaarremaa
• Coast Salish Contributors: Alison Ariss, Andrea Fritz, Chepximiya Siyam Chief Janice George, Danielle Morsette, Eliot White-Hill, Jared Qwustenuxun Williams, Kerrie Charnley, Michael (CHiX-ap-kaid) Pavel, Quwasen Debra Sparrow, sa’ hLa mitSa Susan Pavel, Senaqwila Wyss, Snumithia' Violet Elliott, Tuwuxwul't-hw Tyrone Elliott, Xweliqwiya Rena Point Bolton.
• Harbour Publishing, 2025
• Paperback, 264 pages
• 8"W x 10"L
  

Liz Hammond-Kaarremaa holds a MA in Educational Technology and a Master Spinners Certificate. Hammond-Kaarremaa is a Research Associate with the Smithsonian, as well as the Anthropology Department at Vancouver Island University. As a Coast Salish textiles researcher, she is a frequent collaborator with Indigenous communities, as well as various museums, using her knowledge to identify fibrous materials, tools, and techniques associated with Coast Salish weaving practices.