Husband and wife Rick and Jeanie McLean, both members of the Tahltan Nation, stumbled upon carved stones during a beach outing, revealing a connection to the histories and diplomatic relations between neighboring nations. Rick, a former Tahltan chief, and Jeanie, a former Yukon cabinet minister, made the discovery while enjoying their day at a familiar spot in the Shakes Creek area of northern B.C. The rocks bore intricate carvings depicting fish and what seemed to be a shield within a bear paw.
The couple expressed awe at the find, pondering about the individuals who last laid eyes on these artifacts and the passage of time. Growing up in the Telegraph Creek region, Rick recalled knowledge about a single marked rock, leading to the suspicion of additional discoveries. The area holds immense cultural significance for the Tahltan and Tlingit nations, with tales from Rick’s great-grandmother recounting the land’s significance, past conflicts, and the treaty signed at Shakes Creek.
The stones serve as a gateway to discussions on culture and history transcending boundaries, according to Jeanie. The attention garnered after sharing their findings on social media has sparked interest from various quarters, including universities and a clan leader from Alaska. Chief Richard Jackson of the Tahltan Band Council acknowledged petroglyphs near Telegraph Creek but noted the significance of those found in the Shakes Creek area for the Tlingit nation in terms of the peace treaty and fishing rights.
Jackson emphasized the need for cultural respect towards the stones to preserve their historical value, despite the newfound attention. The Taku River Tlingit First Nation in Atlin, B.C., declined to comment on the petroglyphs, citing cultural protocols that mandate consultations with elders and knowledge bearers before providing further insights.