A day trip to the beach for Rick and Jeanie McLean, a couple belonging to the Tahltan Nation, took an unexpected turn as they stumbled upon stones bearing significant carvings linking back to the histories and diplomatic relations between neighboring nations. The couple, with Rick being a former Tahltan Nation chief and Jeanie a former Yukon cabinet minister, made this discovery at their familiar spot in the Shakes Creek region in northern British Columbia. Among the engraved designs on the rocks were depictions of fish and what seems to be a shield encased within a bear paw.
Reflecting on the find, Jeanie expressed the rarity of the experience, pondering about the individuals who last laid eyes on these carvings and the time that has passed since. Rick, hailing from the Telegraph Creek area, mentioned previous knowledge within the community about one marked rock and suspected the existence of another. Recalling tales from his great-grandmother, Rick underscored the cultural significance of the Shakes Creek area to the Tahltan and Tlingit nations, noting its role as a focal point for salmon fishing, trade, and communal gatherings.
The couple’s discovery has sparked interest and discussions about cultural heritage and shared history beyond boundaries. Their social media posts showcasing the findings have attracted attention from various quarters, including universities and a clan leader from Alaska. Chief Richard Jackson of the Tahltan Band Council acknowledged the presence of petroglyphs near Telegraph Creek but highlighted the uniqueness of those found in the Shakes Creek area, emphasizing their importance in the peace treaty and fishing agreements between the Tahltan and Tlingit nations.
While the stones have garnered widespread attention, Jackson urged for the preservation and respect of their cultural significance. CBC News attempted to reach out to the Taku River Tlingit First Nation in Atlin, British Columbia, for further insights on the historical context of the petroglyphs. In response, the nation’s communications department indicated adherence to cultural protocols necessitating consultation with elders and knowledgeable individuals before elaborating further on the subject.