A couple, Rick and Jeanie McLean, members of the Tahltan Nation, stumbled upon significant stones during a beach outing, shedding light on historical connections between neighboring nations. Rick, a former Tahltan chief, and Jeanie, a former Yukon cabinet minister, found rocks adorned with engravings like fish and what seems to be a shield within a bear paw while at Shakes Creek in northern B.C.
The discovery, described as a unique experience by Jeanie, sparked contemplation about the individuals who last laid eyes on the stones and the time that has passed since. Rick, familiar with the Telegraph Creek area, where one marked rock was known, believed there might be another. He highlighted Shakes Creek’s cultural importance for the Tahltan and Tlingit nations, recalling his great-grandmother’s tales of the land, conflicts, and the treaty signed at the creek.
The creek served as a vital location for both nations, where they fished for salmon, engaged in trade, and gathered annually. Jeanie emphasized the significance of unearthing such treasures, emphasizing the conversations it sparks about culture and history transcending borders. The couple’s social media posts showcasing the rocks have garnered widespread attention, even from academic institutions and an Alaskan clan leader.
Richard Jackson, chief of the Tahltan Band Council, acknowledged petroglyphs near Telegraph Creek but was unaware of any at Shakes Creek. He noted the petroglyphs’ importance to the Tlingit in terms of the peace treaty and fishing rights. Jackson urged people to respect the stones’ cultural value and refrain from disturbing them, despite the growing interest.
CBC News contacted the Taku River Tlingit First Nation in Atlin, B.C., for their perspective on the petroglyphs’ historical significance. A representative stated that their cultural practices dictate consulting with elders and knowledge holders before commenting further on the matter.
