Rick and Jeanie McLean, a married couple and members of the Tahltan Nation, stumbled upon significant stones during a beach outing that shed light on the historical connections and diplomatic relations between neighboring nations. The stones, found in the Shakes Creek area in northern B.C., displayed carvings resembling fish and a shield within a bear paw.
Having spent the day at one of their familiar spots, the McLeans were astonished by the discovery. Rick, a former chief of the nation, and Jeanie, a former Yukon cabinet minister, marveled at the ancient artifacts, pondering about the individuals who last laid eyes on them and the passage of time.
Rick, who hails from the Telegraph Creek region, recalled tales of a single marked rock from his childhood and suspected the presence of more. He emphasized the cultural significance of the area for the Tahltan and Tlingit nations, citing his great-grandmother’s stories about the land, conflicts, and the treaty between the nations at Shakes Creek.
The couple’s find has sparked curiosity and conversations about heritage and history transcending borders. Jeanie expressed fascination with the engravings, especially the unique bear paw shield, prompting interest from various parties upon sharing images and videos on social media.
Richard Jackson, chief of the Tahltan Band Council, acknowledged the existence of petroglyphs near Telegraph Creek but was surprised by their appearance in the Shakes Creek area. He highlighted the stones’ importance for the Tlingit people as symbols of the peace treaty and fishing rights.
While the stones have attracted attention, Jackson urged respect for their cultural significance and preservation. The Taku River Tlingit First Nation in Atlin, B.C., declined to provide immediate comments, citing the need to consult elders and knowledge keepers in line with their cultural protocols.