Husband and wife Rick and Jeanie McLean’s beach excursion turned into an unexpected archaeological discovery when they stumbled upon stones revealing a historical connection between two neighboring nations. Both members of the Tahltan Nation, with Rick being a former chief and Jeanie a former Yukon cabinet minister, they were exploring the Shakes Creek area in northern B.C. when they found rocks adorned with carvings depicting fish and what appears to be a shield within a bear paw motif.

Reflecting on the significance of their find, Jeanie expressed awe at unearthing artifacts that raise questions about their last observers and the passage of time. Growing up in Telegraph Creek, Rick recalled local knowledge of one marked rock and speculated about the existence of others. He emphasized the cultural importance of the area for both the Tahltan and Tlingit nations, recounting his great-grandmother’s tales of the land, conflicts, and the treaty signed at Shakes Creek.

The couple’s discovery has sparked widespread interest, with universities and a clan leader in Alaska reaching out after the McLeans shared photos and videos on social media. Tahltan Band Council Chief Richard Jackson acknowledged previous petroglyphs near Telegraph Creek but highlighted the significance of the newly found carvings as part of the peace treaty and fishing rights between the Tahltan and Tlingit. He urged respect for the cultural value of the stones amidst the growing attention.

CBC News contacted the Taku River Tlingit First Nation in Atlin, B.C., to provide insights on the historical importance of the petroglyphs. In response, a representative stated that their cultural protocols mandate consultation with elders and knowledgeable individuals before further discussion.