Rick and Jeanie McLean, a married couple and members of the Tahltan Nation, stumbled upon significant stones during a casual beach outing, revealing carvings that hold historical ties and diplomatic connections between neighboring nations. The rocks, adorned with fish images and what seems to be a shield within a bear paw, were discovered by the couple at their usual spot in the Shakes Creek area in northern British Columbia.
Rick, a former chief of the Tahltan Nation, and Jeanie, a former Yukon cabinet minister, expressed the rarity and intrigue of their find, pondering about the individuals who last laid eyes on these artifacts and the passage of time since then. Rick, who hails from the Telegraph Creek region, recalled tales passed down from his great-grandmother about the cultural significance of Shakes Creek for both the Tahltan and Tlingit nations, including stories of wars and treaties.
The couple emphasized the importance of unearthing such treasures, sparking discussions about culture and history that transcend geographical boundaries. Their social media posts showcasing the carved rocks have garnered significant attention, even drawing interest from academic institutions and a clan leader from Alaska.
Richard Jackson, the chief of the Tahltan Band Council, acknowledged the presence of petroglyphs near Telegraph Creek but noted the unique significance of those found in the Shakes Creek area, attributing them to the Tlingit people and their historical ties to the region. Jackson emphasized the need for respecting the cultural value of the stones and urged against disturbing them despite the newfound attention.
CBC News reached out to the Taku River Tlingit First Nation in Atlin, British Columbia, for comment on the historical importance of the petroglyphs. In response, a representative highlighted the nation’s cultural protocols, which entail consulting with elders and knowledgeable individuals before providing further insights.