An excavation program at a national historic location close to Fort St. John, B.C., is providing insights into 12,500 years of First Nations history by uncovering ancient stone tools and animal remains. Tse’k’wa, controlled by Doig River, Prophet River, and West Moberly First Nations, was once home to the Dane-zaa people for numerous generations.
Laura Webb, an Elder from West Moberly, emphasized the significance of the site, stating that it validates the long-standing presence of the Dane-zaa people for over 12,500 years. Tse’k’wa is among more than 57,000 documented archaeological sites in the province, showcasing human settlement in North America since the last ice age.
The site serves as a platform for the nations in charge to convey their cultural heritage, language, and history to interested individuals. While the general public can visit the area, the excavation work is primarily conducted by students from the University of Northern British Columbia.
The artifacts discovered at Tse’k’wa, such as stone tools, ancient animal bones, and obsidian fragments, shed light on the lifestyle of the Dane-zaa people thousands of years ago. Noteworthy findings include a 10,500-year-old stone bead, the oldest known human adornment north of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico.
The artifacts found align with the oral traditions passed down through generations, confirming the authenticity of the stories shared within the community. The Tse’k’wa Heritage Society, established in 2012 by the three nations, aims to preserve the site as an educational center for cultural teachings and community events.
The cave at Tse’k’wa, which translates to “rock house” in the Beaver language, holds immense cultural significance for the Dane-zaa people. The trail leading to the cave features signs explaining the oral history of the site and its correlation with the archaeological findings.
Alyssa Currie, the executive director of the Tse’k’wa Heritage Society, highlighted the importance of the site in preserving Dane-zaa cultural heritage and sharing ancestral stories with the public. The artifacts unearthed at Tse’k’wa validate the oral traditions and historical narratives still cherished by the Dane-zaa community.