A couple, Rick and Jeanie McLean, both belonging to the Tahltan Nation, stumbled upon significant carved rocks during a beach outing in the Shakes Creek area of northern British Columbia. The rocks featured intricate carvings such as fish and what seemed to be a shield inside a bear paw.
Growing up in the Telegraph Creek area, Rick recalled stories about one marked rock and suspected the existence of others. He emphasized the cultural importance of the area for the Tahltan and Tlingit nations, mentioning his great-grandmother’s tales of the land, wars, and treaties at Shakes Creek.
The discovery sparked discussions on culture and history transcending borders, prompting interest from various quarters after the McLeans shared their findings on social media. Chief Richard Jackson of the Tahltan Band Council noted the petroglyphs’ significance to the Tlingit in the peace treaty context.
Jackson urged respect for the stones’ cultural value and discouraged any disturbance despite the newfound attention. The Taku River Tlingit First Nation in Atlin, B.C., declined immediate comment, citing the need to consult elders and knowledge keepers in line with their cultural protocols.
