A day trip to the beach for husband and wife Rick and Jeanie McLean turned into an unexpected archaeological discovery when they stumbled upon stones that hold significant historical ties to the relations, agreements, and diplomacy between two neighboring nations.
Both Rick and Jeanie McLean are members of the Tahltan Nation, with Rick having served as a former chief for the nation and Jeanie as a former Yukon cabinet minister. During a leisurely day at one of their usual spots in the Shakes Creek area in northern B.C., they unearthed rocks adorned with carvings depicting fish and what seems to be a shield within a bear paw motif.
Reflecting on the find, Jeanie described it as a unique and unforgettable experience, pondering about the individuals who last laid eyes on these stones and the passage of time since then. Rick, having grown up in the Telegraph Creek region, shared that locals were aware of one marked rock and suspected the presence of another, highlighting the area’s deep cultural significance for the Tahltan and Tlingit nations.
Recalling stories passed down from his great-grandmother about the land, conflicts, and the treaty signed between the nations at Shakes Creek, Rick emphasized how the site served as a vital location for both nations to fish for salmon, engage in trade, and gather annually. Jeanie emphasized the importance of such discoveries in sparking conversations about heritage and history that transcend borders.
The couple’s photos and videos shared on social media have garnered widespread attention, drawing interest from academic institutions and a clan leader in Alaska. Richard Jackson, chief of the Tahltan Band Council, noted his familiarity with petroglyphs near Telegraph Creek but expressed surprise at their presence in the Shakes Creek area, acknowledging their relevance to the Tlingit in the context of a peace treaty and fishing rights.
Jackson urged for the preservation of the stones’ cultural significance amidst the growing attention they are receiving, emphasizing the need for respect. CBC News reached out to the Taku River Tlingit First Nation in Atlin, B.C., for comment on the historical significance of the petroglyphs, with a response indicating the need to consult with elders and knowledge holders before further discussion.