A couple, Rick and Jeanie McLean, who are both members of the Tahltan Nation, stumbled upon intriguing rock carvings during a beach outing in northern B.C. The carvings depict fish and a shield inside a bear paw. Rick, a former Tahltan chief, and Jeanie, a former Yukon cabinet minister, were amazed by the discovery, sparking thoughts about the individuals who created these ancient artworks.
The Shakes Creek area, where the rocks were found, holds significant cultural value for the Tahltan and Tlingit nations. Rick, drawing from his great-grandmother’s stories, recalled the historical importance of the land, including tales of wars and treaties between the nations at Shakes Creek, a place where salmon fishing, trading, and gatherings took place annually.
The couple’s find has attracted attention on social media, with universities and a clan leader from Alaska showing interest in the discovery. Richard Jackson, the chief of the Tahltan Band Council, noted the rarity of such petroglyphs in the area, emphasizing the need to preserve and respect the cultural significance of the stones, which are believed to symbolize the peace treaty between the Tahltan and Tlingit nations.
CBC News contacted the Taku River Tlingit First Nation in Atlin, B.C., to discuss the historical value of the petroglyphs. The nation’s communication department highlighted their cultural protocols, which require consultation with elders and knowledge holders before providing further insights.