Husband and wife Rick and Jeanie McLean, both belonging to the Tahltan Nation, stumbled upon significant rock carvings during a leisurely beach trip in northern B.C. The stones they unearthed bear intricate designs depicting fish and a shield enclosed within a bear paw.
Their discovery unfolded at a familiar spot in the Shakes Creek area, prompting reflections on the historical connections, treaties, and diplomacy between neighboring nations. Rick, a former Tahltan chief, and Jeanie, a former Yukon cabinet minister, were captivated by the rare find, pondering about the individuals who last laid eyes on these ancient artifacts.
Rick, drawing from his upbringing in Telegraph Creek, recalled tales of a solitary marked rock and speculated about the existence of more. He emphasized the area’s cultural significance for both the Tahltan and Tlingit communities, recounting narratives passed down from his great-grandmother concerning the land, conflicts, and the pivotal treaty at Shakes Creek.
The couple’s discovery has sparked widespread interest, with universities and a clan leader from Alaska engaging with their social media posts showcasing the carved rocks. Richard Jackson, chief of the Tahltan Band Council, acknowledged petroglyphs near Telegraph Creek but expressed surprise at their presence in the Shakes Creek vicinity. Jackson highlighted the stones’ importance as symbols of the peace treaty and fishing rights for the Tlingit people.
Amid the growing attention, Jackson urged respect for the stones’ cultural significance and urged against disturbing them. Notably, the Taku River Tlingit First Nation in Atlin, B.C., declined to comment immediately, citing cultural protocols that necessitate consulting elders and knowledge keepers first.