The Teachings of Mutton: A Finalist for the 2026 Bill Duthie Booksellers' Choice Award
Harbour Publishing is pleased to announce that The Teachings of Mutton: A Coast Salish Woolly Dog is a finalist for the 2026 BC & Yukon Book Prizes' Bill Duthie Booksellers' Choice Award, which is presented to the originating publisher and author(s) of the best book in terms of public appeal, initiative, design, production, and content.
The Teachings of Mutton is written by Liz Hammond-Kaarremaa, with co-authors Kerrie Charnley, Tsumi'tsiye Violet Elliott, Tuwuxwul't-hw Tyrone Elliott, Andrea Fritz, Chepximiya Siyam Chief Dr. Janice George, Skwetsimeltxw Willard (Buddy) Joseph, Danielle Morsette, Michael Pavel, sałamitća Susan Pavel, Xweliqwiya Rena Point Bolton, Quwasen Debra Sparrow, Eliot White-Hill Kwulasultun, Jared Qwustenuxun Williams, Senaqwila Wyss and Alison Ariss.
Speaking on behalf of herself and her co-authors, Liz Hammond-Kaarremaa said, "We are so pleased to see The Teachings of Mutton shortlisted for the Bill Duthie Booksellers' Choice Award. Our goal for this book was to make our research and writings accessible to the general public while raising awareness of the Woolly Dog and its cultural importance. For our book to be recognized by booksellers tells us we succeeded. Thank you to everyone involved in the creation of this book, and those who championed it through media and bookseller support, helping it reach and resonate with so many people."
The pelt of a dog named “Mutton” languished in a drawer at the Smithsonian for 150 years until it was discovered, almost accidentally, by an amateur archivist. This book tells Mutton's story and explores what it can teach us about Coast Salish Woolly Dogs and their cultural significance. According to Indigenous Oral Histories of the Pacific Northwest, this small dog was bred for thousands of years for its woolly fibres, which were woven into traditional blankets, robes and regalia. Co-authored with weavers, Knowledge Keepers, and Elders, The Teachings of Mutton interweaves perspectives from Musqueam, Squamish, Stó:lō, Suquamish, Cowichan, Katzie, Snuneymuxw, and Skokomish cultures with narratives of science, post-contact history, and the lasting and devastating impacts of colonization. At its core, Mutton’s story becomes one of rediscovery and cultural resilience.
Liz Hammond-Kaarremaa has an MA in educational technology and holds a Master Spinner Certificate from Olds College. She is a researcher of Coast Salish spinning and collaborates with museums and Indigenous communities, sharing her knowledge through research writing, workshops and lectures. Her research and publications focus on Coast Salish textiles, including articles in academic journals and magazines. She lives on Protection Island, near Nanaimo, BC.
The winners in eight categories, including the Bill Duthie Booksellers’ Choice Award, will be announced at the BC and Yukon Book Prizes Gala on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the University Golf Club in Vancouver, along with the recipient of the 2026 Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Literary Excellence and the Borealis Prize: The Commissioner of Yukon Award for Literary Contribution. A soirée to celebrate the shortlisted authors will be held on Thursday, May 21, at 6:30 pm at Book Warehouse in Vancouver (632 West Broadway). This casual, celebratory event to kick off the festivities is free and open to the public. Finalist books will be available to purchase.
For a list of all the finalists for all prizes, visit Winners & Finalists - BC and Yukon Book Prizes