A day trip to the beach for Rick and Jeanie McLean, a husband and wife who are both members of the Tahltan Nation, turned into an unexpected archaeological exploration. While relaxing at their favorite spot in the Shakes Creek area in northern B.C., they stumbled upon stones adorned with intricate carvings depicting fish and what appears to be a shield inside a bear paw.
The discovery evoked a sense of wonder for Jeanie, who pondered about the individuals who last laid eyes on these stones and the passage of time. Rick, drawing from his upbringing in the Telegraph Creek region, shared that there were tales of a single marked rock in the area, hinting at the existence of more. He emphasized the cultural significance of Shakes Creek for both the Tahltan and Tlingit nations, recounting stories passed down by his great-grandmother about the land, conflicts, and the treaty that was signed there.
The couple’s find has sparked interest from various quarters, with universities and a clan leader from Alaska reaching out after the McLeans shared images and videos on social media. Richard Jackson, chief of the Tahltan Band Council, acknowledged the presence of petroglyphs near Telegraph Creek but was surprised by the discovery in the Shakes Creek vicinity. He highlighted the significance of the petroglyphs for the Tlingit people as part of a historical peace agreement and a marker for fishing grounds.
Jackson called for the stones’ preservation and respect for their cultural importance amidst the newfound attention. The Taku River Tlingit First Nation in Atlin, B.C., was contacted for their perspective on the petroglyphs but indicated that their cultural protocols mandate consultation with elders and knowledgeable individuals before commenting further.