Rick and Jeanie McLean, a married couple and members of the Tahltan Nation, stumbled upon ancient stones during a beach outing, revealing ties to historical events and diplomatic relations between neighboring nations. The rocks, adorned with carvings depicting fish and what seems to be a shield within a bear paw, were found in the Shakes Creek area in northern British Columbia.
Both Rick, a former Tahltan Nation chief, and Jeanie, a former Yukon cabinet minister, were astonished by the discovery and pondered about the individuals who last laid eyes on these artifacts. Rick, hailing from Telegraph Creek, recalled stories passed down from his great-grandmother about the area’s cultural significance for the Tahltan and Tlingit nations, including tales of wars and treaties at Shakes Creek.
The couple’s find has sparked interest from various quarters, with universities and a clan leader from Alaska reaching out after the images were shared on social media. Chief Richard Jackson of the Tahltan Band Council noted the significance of the petroglyphs as markers of peace and fishing territories between the Tahltan and Tlingit nations, urging respect for their cultural importance amidst the newfound attention.
CBC News contacted the Taku River Tlingit First Nation in Atlin, British Columbia, seeking further insights on the historical relevance of the petroglyphs. In response, the nation’s communications department emphasized the need to consult elders and knowledge keepers before providing additional information.