NLaka'pamux clothing styles and materials changed quickly after the arrival of the fur trading posts. Fabric shirts and trousers replaced skin ponchos and leggings. Jackets and coats became symbols of important community leaders. By the end of the nineteenth century, members of the NLaka'pamux community wore the same clothing fashions as their European neighbours.

Skin clothing continued to be made. For certain jobs, like ranching or tending winter trap lines, people preferred the warmth and durability of fur and skin clothing. Occasionally, old style buckskin shirts and dresses were worn at traditional dances and gatherings.

(left) Work Clothing: S_nwoie wearing cowboy style clothing.
Photograph: J.A. Teit, 1915
Canadian Museum of Civilization 31480
(glove detail)

(right) Man's beaded cuffs and armbands, acquired 1925.
Canadian Museum of Civilization II-C-392 a,b; II-C-393 a,b

For most women, sewing has become less of a necessity and more of a hobby. By taking fashion design courses and experimenting with new styles, they are blending traditional and modern clothing materials and images. Ribbon shirts and dresses are popular wear for weddings, powwows and school graduations.

(left) Seamstress Shannon Kilroy, Lower Nicola, British Columbia.
Photograph: L.H. Tepper, 1994
Canadian Museum of Civilization 23209

(right) Clothing top, made by Xandra Dixon, acquired 1993.
Canadian Museum of Civilization II-C-807

more clothing examples