Husband and wife Rick and Jeanie McLean, both belonging to the Tahltan Nation, had an unexpected discovery during their beach outing at Shakes Creek in northern B.C. They stumbled upon intricately carved rocks depicting symbols like fish and what appears to be a shield within a bear paw.
Rick, a former Tahltan chief, and Jeanie, a former Yukon cabinet minister, found the rocks while enjoying a day at their favorite spot. The couple reflected on the historical and cultural significance of the carvings, pondering about the individuals who created them and the passage of time.
The Shakes Creek area holds great importance for the Tahltan and Tlingit nations, serving as a gathering place for fishing, trading, and cultural exchange each summer. Rick, drawing from his great-grandmother’s stories, recalled the legacy of the land, including past wars and the treaty between the nations at Shakes Creek.
The couple’s discovery has sparked interest from various quarters, with universities and a clan leader from Alaska reaching out after seeing the photos and videos shared on social media. Chief Richard Jackson of the Tahltan Band Council noted the significance of the petroglyphs in the area, emphasizing their importance in the peace treaty between the Tahltan and Tlingit nations.
Jackson highlighted the need to respect the cultural significance of the stones and urged people not to disturb them, despite the newfound attention. The Taku River Tlingit First Nation in Atlin, B.C., refrained from immediate comment, citing cultural protocols that require consultation with elders and knowledge holders before discussing further details.