A couple, Rick and Jeanie McLean, both belonging to the Tahltan Nation, stumbled upon ancient stones during a casual beach outing. The stones, discovered in the Shakes Creek area of northern B.C., feature carvings depicting fish and what seems to be a shield inside a bear paw.
Rick, a former Tahltan chief, and Jeanie, a former Yukon cabinet minister, were astonished by the findings, sparking reflections on the past and the individuals who may have interacted with these stones centuries ago.
Growing up in the Telegraph Creek region, Rick heard tales from his great-grandmother about the cultural significance of Shakes Creek for the Tahltan and Tlingit nations. The area served as a vital location for fishing, trading, and communal gatherings during the summer months.
The couple’s discovery has attracted considerable attention, with universities and a clan leader in Alaska showing interest in the ancient carvings. Chief Richard Jackson of the Tahltan Band Council highlighted the importance of respecting these petroglyphs, emphasizing their significance in the historical narrative of the Tlingit people and the peace treaty between the nations.
CBC News attempted to gather insights from the Taku River Tlingit First Nation in Atlin, B.C., regarding the petroglyphs’ historical context. However, the nation’s communications department stated that their cultural protocols mandate consultation with elders and knowledge keepers before sharing further information.