A married couple, Rick and Jeanie McLean, had an unexpected discovery during a beach outing that turned into an impromptu archaeological exploration. The couple, both belonging to the Tahltan Nation, stumbled upon stones bearing historical carvings linked to the past interactions, agreements, and diplomacy between neighboring nations.
While enjoying their time in the Shakes Creek region in northern British Columbia, Rick and Jeanie encountered rocks adorned with intricate carvings depicting fish and what seemed to be a shield enclosed within a bear paw. Reflecting on this unique find, Jeanie expressed the profound significance of unearthing these artifacts, pondering about the individuals who last witnessed them and the passage of time.
Rick, hailing from the Telegraph Creek area, recalled how locals were aware of one marked rock and suspected the existence of another. He emphasized the cultural importance of the area for the Tahltan and Tlingit communities, citing ancestral tales passed down from his great-grandmother detailing the land’s significance, conflicts, and the treaty signed between the nations at Shakes Creek.
According to Rick, the site served as a vital cultural hub for both the Tahltan and Tlingit peoples, where they engaged in fishing, trade, and communal gatherings each summer. Jeanie highlighted the broader significance of discovering such artifacts, sparking dialogues about culture and history that transcend geographical boundaries.
Their social media posts showcasing the carved stones garnered widespread attention, attracting interest from academic institutions and a clan leader in Alaska. Richard Jackson, chief of the Tahltan Band Council, noted his familiarity with petroglyphs near Telegraph Creek but was surprised by the findings in the Shakes Creek area, indicating their importance within the context of the peace treaty and fishing rights between the two nations.
Jackson stressed the need for respecting the cultural value of the stones and urged against any disturbance, despite the newfound attention. Additionally, CBC News contacted the Taku River Tlingit First Nation in Atlin, British Columbia, to comment on the historical significance of the petroglyphs. In response, the nation’s communications representative mentioned following cultural protocols by consulting with elders and knowledge keepers before providing further insights.