A couple, Rick and Jeanie McLean, who belong to the Tahltan Nation, had an unexpected discovery during a beach outing. While at their usual spot in the Shakes Creek area in northern British Columbia, they stumbled upon rocks adorned with carvings depicting fish and what appears to be a shield within a bear paw motif.
Rick, a former chief of the Tahltan Nation, and Jeanie, a former Yukon cabinet minister, found the experience to be extraordinary, reflecting on the significance of unearthing artifacts that carry historical and diplomatic connections between neighboring nations.
The region holds deep cultural value for the Tahltan and Tlingit nations, as Rick recalled stories passed down from his great-grandmother about the land, conflicts, and a treaty signed at Shakes Creek. This area served as a pivotal location for fishing, trade, and communal gatherings for both nations.
Jeanie emphasized the importance of such discoveries in sparking conversations about culture and history that transcend boundaries. Their findings have garnered widespread attention on social media, attracting interest from academic institutions and a clan leader in Alaska.
Chief Richard Jackson of the Tahltan Band Council noted that while petroglyphs are known near Telegraph Creek, the presence of such carvings in the Shakes Creek area was previously unknown. These markings are believed to hold significance for the Tlingit people in the context of a peace treaty and as markers for fishing locations.
Jackson emphasized the need for respecting the cultural value of the stones and urged against disturbing them, despite the newfound spotlight. The Taku River Tlingit First Nation in Atlin, British Columbia, was contacted by CBC News for comment, with a response stating that cultural protocols dictate consultation with elders and knowledge holders before discussing further details.