A day trip to the beach for Rick and Jeanie McLean, a husband and wife who both belong to the Tahltan Nation, turned into an unexpected discovery of ancient stones revealing connections to the histories, treaties, and diplomacy between neighboring nations. While enjoying their time at a familiar spot in the Shakes Creek area in northern British Columbia, they stumbled upon rocks adorned with carvings depicting fish and what seemed to be a shield inside a bear paw.
Rick, a former chief of the Tahltan Nation, and Jeanie, a former Yukon cabinet minister, found the experience to be extraordinary, pondering about the individuals who might have last laid eyes on these artifacts and the time that has passed since then. Rick, who grew up in the Telegraph Creek region, mentioned that there were rumors about another marked rock in the area, with locals aware of one with similar engravings.
The Shakes Creek area holds significant cultural importance for both the Tahltan and Tlingit nations, serving as a historical site for fishing, trading, and communal gatherings during the summer. Stories passed down from Rick’s great-grandmother recount the land’s significance, wars, and the treaty that shaped relations between the two nations at Shakes Creek.
Discovering these ancient treasures has sparked broader conversations about culture and history transcending borders, according to Jeanie. The intricate carvings on the rocks have garnered attention on social media platforms, attracting interest from universities and a clan leader in Alaska.
Richard Jackson, chief of the Tahltan Band Council, acknowledged the presence of petroglyphs near Telegraph Creek but was surprised by the findings in the Shakes Creek area. He emphasized the significance of the petroglyphs for the Tlingit people, symbolizing the peace treaty and providing guidance on fishing locations.
Jackson expressed his hope that the cultural importance of the stones would be respected and preserved, despite the recent attention they have received. CBC News reached out to the Taku River Tlingit First Nation in Atlin, British Columbia, for insights on the historical significance of the petroglyphs, and received a response indicating the need to consult with elders and knowledgeable individuals before offering further comments.
