A day trip to the beach for Rick and Jeanie McLean, a husband and wife who are both members of the Tahltan Nation, turned into an unexpected archeological discovery. While at their usual spot in the Shakes Creek area in northern B.C., they stumbled upon stones featuring carvings of fish and what appears to be a shield inside a bear paw.

Rick, a former chief of the Tahltan Nation, and Jeanie, a former Yukon cabinet minister, found these rocks with deep historical significance. The area holds cultural importance for both the Tahltan and Tlingit nations, with stories passed down through generations about the land, wars, and treaties at Shakes Creek.

The couple’s find has sparked interest from various quarters, including universities and a clan leader in Alaska, after sharing photos and videos on social media. Richard Jackson, chief of the Tahltan Band Council, noted the significance of the petroglyphs found in the Shakes Creek area, shedding light on the peace treaty between the Tahltan and Tlingit nations.

Despite the newfound attention, Jackson emphasized the need to respect the cultural value of these stones and preserve them undisturbed. The Taku River Tlingit First Nation in Atlin, B.C., when contacted by CBC News, highlighted the importance of consulting elders and knowledge holders before discussing the historical significance of the petroglyphs further.