Gone, but not forgotten: How an extinct dog breed still lives on through memory and tradition in Coast Salish communities

On April 3, the Field Museum debuted Woolly Dogs, a temporary exhibition within Native Truths: Our Voices, Our Stories, highlighting the legacy of this dog breed and the traditions it continues to inspire. Co-curated by Coast Salish author and illustrator Eliot White-Hill, Kwulasultun, the installation features his artwork, transforming his children’s book, Sqwumey Story, into an immersive, 3D environment.

“I have been involved in extensive research and knowledge-sharing on the Salish Woolly Dog over the last few years," says White-Hill. “It has become an incredible moment of cultural reclamation for Coast Salish people, as well as a point of growing public interest in our culture. The Field Museum has a significant collection of Coast Salish cultural items, and through this exhibit, I hope to provide cultural context and a deeper opportunity for learning.”
The exhibition tells the story of the woolly dog and its important role in Coast Salish communities. Women cared for the dogs, turned their fur into yarn, and used it to weave blankets and shawls. These textiles demonstrated their artistry and created economic independence for them. Over time, the many impacts of colonialism led to its extinction. Coast Salish people never forgot about the woolly dog, which remains a valued part of their culture. Efforts are underway to revitalize the breed.

To help share this story with visitors, Woolly Dogs draws on collection items, artworks, media, and hands-on interactives to show how these dogs remain a beloved part of Coast Salish communities. Designed as a family-friendly experience, the exhibition features touchable elements, videos, and illustrations that invite children and adults alike to connect with Coast Salish communities and reflect on their own cultures or traditions. Visitors will also find weaving-related objects on display, including spindle whorls, and contemporary art inspired by woolly dogs, as well as Coast Salish weaving practices.

Please email press@fieldmuseum.org for interview requests and more information. Images and b-roll are available in the press kit. Interviews with co-curator Eliot White-Hill, Kwulasultun will be available April 16-17.