A day trip to the beach for Rick and Jeanie McLean, a couple from the Tahltan Nation, turned into an unexpected archeological discovery as they stumbled upon intriguing stones bearing historical significance in the Shakes Creek area of northern B.C. The rocks, adorned with carvings depicting fish and what appears to be a shield within a bear paw, sparked a sense of wonder and connection to past narratives of treaties and diplomacy between neighboring nations.
Rick, a former Tahltan chief, and Jeanie, a former Yukon cabinet minister, were thrilled by the unique find, pondering about the individuals who crafted these engravings and the passage of time since then. Growing up near Telegraph Creek, Rick had heard tales of a similar marked rock in the area, fueling their curiosity to explore further.
The Shakes Creek region holds significant cultural importance for both the Tahltan and Tlingit nations, serving as a historical hub for fishing, trading, and communal gatherings during summers. Memories passed down through generations, like those from Rick’s great-grandmother, recount stories of the land, wars, and the enduring treaty between the nations at this sacred site.
The discovery of these carved stones not only piques interest but also initiates meaningful conversations about heritage and shared history that transcend boundaries. Jeanie expressed her fascination with the intricate carvings, particularly the bear paw shield, a symbol she had never encountered before.
Since sharing their findings on social media, the McLeans have garnered widespread attention, including inquiries from universities and a clan leader in Alaska, underscoring the stones’ significance. Richard Jackson, chief of the Tahltan Band Council, acknowledged the presence of petroglyphs near Telegraph Creek but emphasized the novelty of these discoveries in the Shakes Creek area, noting their relevance to the Tlingit nation’s peace treaty and fishing agreements.
While the stones have attracted considerable interest, Jackson urged for the preservation of their cultural value and cautioned against any disturbance. The Taku River Tlingit First Nation in Atlin, B.C., emphasized the importance of consulting elders and knowledge holders before delving further into the historical context of the petroglyphs, highlighting the respect for cultural protocols.