Marine-based Subsistence Trends and the Stable Isotope Analysis of Dog Bones from Namu, British Columbia

The results of isotopic analysis of dog bones from the site of Namu on the central coast of British Columbia provide confirmation of trends in the subsistence economy over the period 6060–1405bp, which were initially inferred on the basis of recovered faunal remains. Dog bones associated with the period of peak salmon production exhibit the least variability in δ13C values, indicating more consistent reliance on marine sources of protein. Dog bones also exhibit a pattern of decreasing δ15N values over time, which suggests increased consumption of foods drawn from lower trophic levels. This latter trend is consistent with the shell content of midden deposits, which suggests increasing reliance on shellfish as a food source. The study demonstrates the value of using dog remains to monitor dietary variability on the north-west coast.