A day trip to the beach for Rick and Jeanie McLean, a husband and wife who are both members of the Tahltan Nation, turned into an unexpected archeological discovery. While at their usual spot in the Shakes Creek area in northern B.C., they stumbled upon rocks adorned with carvings depicting fish and what seems to be a shield inside a bear paw.
Rick, a former chief of the Tahltan Nation, and Jeanie, a former Yukon cabinet minister, were amazed by the find, prompting thoughts about the individuals who last laid eyes on these ancient artifacts and the passage of time.
Rick, who grew up in the Telegraph Creek region, shared that locals were aware of one marked rock and suspected the existence of another. He emphasized the cultural significance of the area for the Tahltan and Tlingit nations, recounting tales from his great-grandmother about the land, conflicts, and the treaty between the two nations at Shakes Creek.
The discovery has sparked interest from various quarters, including universities and a clan leader in Alaska, after the McLeans shared images and videos on social media. Richard Jackson, chief of the Tahltan Band Council, acknowledged knowledge of petroglyphs near Telegraph Creek but was surprised by the findings in the Shakes Creek area. He highlighted the stones’ importance in Tlingit history and the peace treaty between the nations.
While the attention on the carved stones has grown, Jackson urged people to respect their cultural significance and refrain from disturbing them. CBC News also sought input from the Taku River Tlingit First Nation in Atlin, B.C., on the historical significance of the petroglyphs. In response, the nation’s communications department stated that their cultural protocols mandate consultation with elders and knowledgeable individuals before providing further insights.
