FOOT TRANSPORTATION

Before the arrival of horses, dogs were used as pack animals to carry loads from one location to another. They were also very useful in hunting most animals. Puppy training was always done by the men and older dogs.

The tumpline was a few pieces of buckskin attached to a strap which went around the forehead and shoulders. The load to be carried was attached to the tumpline, thus allowing the Ktunaxa greater freedom of movement and ease in carrying large loads.

Snowshoes were particularly useful to the Ktunaxa especially considering the amount of snow they might encounter. The snowshoe was the easiest and most effective means of winter travel for the Ktunaxa. There were two types of snowshoes that were used, the bear paw and the Ojibwa (beaver tail) style. Bear paw snowshoes were quick to make and were made for fast travelling, especially through thick brush. They are still made and used today. In emergency situations the Ktunaxa would resort to using fir boughs that where tied to their feet.

WATER TRANSPORTATION

Rafts were made for short-term use and were commonly used among the Upper Ktunaxa. Rafts could be built quickly and easily to cross rivers and transport goods. For longer distances, the Upper Ktunaxa made dugout canoes. The Lower Ktunaxa made the greatest use of sturgeon nose canoes.