A couple, Rick and Jeanie McLean, from the Tahltan Nation, stumbled upon intriguing stones during a beach outing that seem to reflect past alliances and diplomatic ties between neighboring nations. Rick, a former chief of the Tahltan Nation, and Jeanie, a former Yukon cabinet minister, were exploring the Shakes Creek area in northern B.C. when they unearthed rocks featuring carvings of fish and what looks like a shield within a bear paw.

Reflecting on the discovery, Jeanie expressed astonishment at the experience, pondering about the individuals who last laid eyes on these stones and how long ago that might have been. Rick, who grew up in the Telegraph Creek region, shared that the area holds significant cultural value for the Tahltan and Tlingit nations. He recounted tales passed down from his great-grandmother about the land, conflicts, and the treaty signed at Shakes Creek.

Jeanie emphasized the importance of unearthing such artifacts as catalysts for discussions on culture and history that transcend borders. Their social media posts showcasing the findings have garnered widespread attention, even attracting interest from academic institutions and a clan leader in Alaska.

Chief Richard Jackson of the Tahltan Band Council acknowledged previous petroglyphs near Telegraph Creek but noted the novelty of these discoveries in the Shakes Creek vicinity. While the petroglyphs are not attributed to the Tahltan, Jackson highlighted their significance in the peace treaty with the Tlingit and their role in marking fishing grounds.

Jackson urged the public to respect the cultural significance of the stones and refrain from disturbing them amid the newfound interest. Additionally, efforts were made to solicit input from the Taku River Tlingit First Nation in Atlin, B.C., regarding the historical import of the petroglyphs, with a response indicating a need for consultations with elders and knowledge keepers before further discussions.