A day trip to the beach for couple Rick and Jeanie McLean turned into an unexpected archaeological discovery when they stumbled upon stones with significant historical connections between neighboring nations. Both members of the Tahltan Nation, Rick, a former chief, and Jeanie, a former Yukon cabinet minister, found carvings of fish and what appears to be a shield within a bear paw while at their usual spot in the Shakes Creek area in northern British Columbia.
Reflecting on their find, Jeanie expressed awe at the experience, pondering about the last individuals to witness these carvings and their antiquity. Rick, who grew up in the Telegraph Creek area, recalled stories of a known marked rock and speculated about the existence of additional markings. He emphasized the cultural importance of the area for the Tahltan and Tlingit nations, recounting tales from his great-grandmother about the land, conflicts, and the treaty forged at Shakes Creek between the nations.
The significance of discovering these artifacts resonates deeply with Jeanie, sparking conversations about shared culture and history transcending national borders. She expressed curiosity about the meanings behind the carvings, particularly the unique bear paw shield. Their social media posts showcasing the findings have garnered widespread attention, including interest from universities and a clan leader in Alaska.
Richard Jackson, chief of the Tahltan Band Council, acknowledged previous petroglyphs near Telegraph Creek but noted the novelty of those at Shakes Creek. While these carvings are not attributed to the Tahltan, Jackson underscored their importance to the Tlingit as symbols of the peace treaty and fishing locations. Stressing the need for respect towards the stones’ cultural significance amidst the newfound attention, he urged people to refrain from disturbing them.
CBC News contacted the Taku River Tlingit First Nation in Atlin, British Columbia, to provide insights on the historical significance of the petroglyphs. In response, a representative highlighted the nation’s cultural protocols mandating consultation with elders and knowledge holders before further commentary.