An archaeological field school located near Fort St. John, British Columbia, at a national historic site is providing insights into 12,500 years of First Nations history by uncovering ancient stone tools and animal bones. Tse’k’wa, owned by Doig River, Prophet River, and West Moberly First Nations, has been inhabited by their Dane-zaa ancestors for generations.
Laura Webb, an Elder from West Moberly, emphasized the significance of the site, highlighting the long-standing presence of the Dane-zaa people over millennia. Tse’k’wa is just one of the 57,000 known archaeological sites in British Columbia, showcasing a rich history of human settlement dating back to the last ice age. The site serves as a platform for these nations to share their cultural heritage and language with the public.
While the public can visit the site, the archaeological work is conducted by students from the University of Northern British Columbia. Webb described Tse’k’wa as a gathering place where cultural teachings and practices are shared, reflecting the harmonious relationship the Dane-zaa people had with nature in the past.
The area’s history reveals that ancient giant bison once roamed the Peace valley, and the region underwent significant environmental transformations from grassland to boreal forest. Additionally, the discovery of two buried ravens, separated by a thousand years, suggests ritual significance in the area, as ravens hold spiritual importance in various Indigenous cultures.
Researchers have unearthed various artifacts at Tse’k’wa, including stone tools, animal bones, and obsidian fragments, with a notable discovery being a 10,500-year-old stone bead, the oldest adornment found north of the Yucatán Peninsula. Garry Oker, an elder from Doig River, emphasized how these findings align with the oral traditions passed down through generations, affirming the cultural stories of the Dane-zaa people.
The Tse’k’wa Heritage Society, established by the three nations in 2012, aims to preserve the site as an interpretive center for cultural teachings and community events. Tse’k’wa, meaning “rock house” in the Beaver language, refers to the cave at the site, where visitors can explore and learn about the rich oral history and archaeological significance.
Alyssa Currie, the society’s executive director, highlighted the site’s importance in reclaiming and sharing the Dane-zaa cultural heritage with the broader community. The artifacts found at Tse’k’wa serve as tangible connections to the enduring stories and traditions of the Dane-zaa people, illustrating their deep-rooted presence in the region.
The ongoing archaeological work at Tse’k’wa continues to unveil the rich history and cultural significance of the site, providing valuable insights into the ancient past of the First Nations communities in the region.