Husband and wife Rick and Jeanie McLean’s beach day turned into an unexpected archeological discovery as they stumbled upon stones revealing a connection to the historical interaction, treaties, and diplomacy between neighboring nations. Both members of the Tahltan Nation, Rick is a former chief, and Jeanie is a former Yukon cabinet minister.
While enjoying their time in the Shakes Creek area in northern B.C., the couple unearthed rocks adorned with carvings depicting fish and what seems to be a shield inside a bear paw. Jeanie described the experience as a rare opportunity, pondering about the individuals who last laid eyes on these artifacts and how long ago that might have been.
Rick, who grew up in the Telegraph Creek region, recalled stories of a known rock with markings and suspected the existence of another. He emphasized the cultural significance of the area for both the Tahltan and Tlingit nations, where his great-grandmother shared tales of the land, conflicts, and the treaty signed at Shakes Creek.
The couple’s discovery has sparked interest from various quarters since sharing images and videos on social media, attracting attention from universities and a clan leader in Alaska. Richard Jackson, chief of the Tahltan Band Council, acknowledged the presence of petroglyphs near Telegraph Creek but was surprised by their appearance in the Shakes Creek area, noting their importance in the peace treaty between the Tahltan and Tlingit nations.
Jackson highlighted the need to preserve the cultural significance of the stones and urged people to respect them despite the newfound attention. The Taku River Tlingit First Nation in Atlin, B.C., was approached for comment on the historical importance of the petroglyphs, with a representative stating that cultural protocols mandate consultation with elders and knowledge holders before further discussion.