Image: Klahoose First Nation

Description: Prized for their pristine white coats, the mountain goat holds a sacred place in the Nation’s identity. The xwɛɬay or Oreamnos Americanus mountain goat has helped sustain our peoples since time before memory. Nomadic herds roamed the mountainous alpine terrain that line the steep hillsides of our territory. In the summer months, the goats shed their thick winter coats leaving bundles of hair clinging to the low branches and bushes that brushed against them. This hair was harvested for clothing and ceremonial items. Hunting of goat was commonplace and offered food and skins for clothing and horns which were crafted into elaborate ceremonial pieces as well as household implement.
Title: Klahoose First Nation
Credit: Own work
Author: Ctait2011
Usage Terms: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0
License: CC BY-SA 4.0
License Link: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Attribution Required?: Yes