A day trip to the beach for Rick and Jeanie McLean, a Tahltan Nation couple, turned into an unexpected archeological adventure as they stumbled upon stones carrying historical significance tied to past treaties and diplomacy between neighboring nations. Rick, a former Tahltan chief, and Jeanie, a former Yukon cabinet minister, were exploring their familiar spot in the Shakes Creek area in northern B.C. when they came across rocks adorned with carvings depicting fish and what seems to be a shield within a bear paw symbol.

Growing up in the Telegraph Creek region, Rick recalled stories of a known marked rock and suspected the presence of another. He emphasized the cultural importance of the area for both the Tahltan and Tlingit nations, with memories passed down about the land, conflicts, and treaties at Shakes Creek. The location served as a vital site for salmon fishing, trading, and communal gatherings for members of both nations each summer.

Jeanie expressed the significance of discovering these artifacts, sparking conversations about culture and history that transcend boundaries. The couple’s social media posts of the findings garnered attention from various quarters, including universities and a clan leader from Alaska.

Richard Jackson, chief of the Tahltan Band Council, acknowledged the existence of petroglyphs near Telegraph Creek but was surprised by the discovery in the Shakes Creek area. He highlighted the importance of the petroglyphs for the Tlingit community in the context of a peace treaty and fishing rights.

Jackson urged for the preservation and respect of the stones’ cultural significance amidst the growing interest. The CBC News contacted the Taku River Tlingit First Nation in Atlin, B.C., for input on the petroglyphs’ historical importance, with a response highlighting the need to consult with elders and knowledgeable individuals before further discussions.