The only known pelt of an extinct woolly dog has returned to British Columbia for the first time in over 160 years. The pelt, belonging to Mutton—a canine companion of American naturalist George Gibbs—had been in the Smithsonian Institution for decades. Now, it has been repatriated to the British Columbia Museum, where it will be displayed as part of a special exhibit on indigenous heritage and extinct species. The woolly dog, once raised by Coast Salish and Makah peoples for its thick coat, is believed to have been driven to extinction in the 19th century.
The return of the pelt marks a significant moment in cultural and historical preservation. It highlights efforts to restore indigenous artifacts and recognize the role of native peoples in the region’s past. The pelt’s journey from Washington, D.C. To British Columbia underscores growing collaboration between museums and indigenous communities. While the event is not directly linked to the 9/11 anniversary, it coincides with ongoing discussions about historical accountability and the repatriation of cultural items.
