"I learned when I was a little girl. My grandmother was tanning all the time. I learned when I was able to help, at least tried to help. I learned a long time."
Theresa Albert, Spences Bridge, British Columbia, 1992

Man's Shirt, NLaka'pamux, collected 1925.
Canadian Museum of Civilization II-C-588

NLaka'pamux clothing consisted of a few garments. Men wore a shirt, long leggings, a breechcloth and moccasins. Women wore a dress, short leggings and moccasins. In cold or rainy weather, people added a cape or poncho and a hat.

Swaltatko (Mrs. Moise) wearing a cape, 1915. Photograph: J.A. Teit Canadian Museum of Civilization 31455

The fabric for skin clothing came from the large hides of deer, elk and moose. When scraped clean of fur, they were softened and smoked in a lengthy tanning process. Furs from smaller animals, such as rabbits, squirrel and beaver, were pieced together for capes and cloaks, or used as ornaments, especially on hats and caps.