An educational program at a national historic site close to Fort St. John, B.C., is providing insights into 12,500 years of First Nations history through the discovery of ancient stone tools and animal remains. Tse’k’wa, owned by Doig River, Prophet River, and West Moberly First Nations, holds significance as an ancient archaeological site that validates the presence of the Dane-zaa ancestors over millennia.
Laura Webb, an Elder from West Moberly, emphasized the longevity of their heritage, stating, “The Dane-zaa people have been here for a lot of years, 12,500 years and probably longer. The artifacts found here are at least that old.” The site, one of over 57,000 known archaeological sites in the province, showcases a rich history of human settlement in North America dating back to the last ice age.
At Tse’k’wa, visitors can explore and learn about the culture, history, and language of the indigenous nations that oversee the site. The field school activities are carried out by students from the University of Northern British Columbia, offering a hands-on experience in archaeological studies.
According to Garry Oker, an elder from Doig River, the artifacts discovered at Tse’k’wa align closely with the oral traditions passed down through generations. Oker, who heads the Tse’k’wa Heritage Society, established in 2012 by the three nations, aims to preserve the site as an educational center for cultural teachings and community gatherings.
The name “Tse’k’wa” translates to “rock house” in the Beaver language, referring to the cave on the premises. Alyssa Currie, the society’s executive director, highlighted the continuous cultural practices performed at the site, emphasizing the importance of sharing Dane-zaa stories with the public.
The archaeological findings at Tse’k’wa, such as stone tools, animal bones, and a 10,500-year-old stone bead, provide tangible evidence of the enduring presence of the Dane-zaa people in the region. These discoveries reinforce the oral histories and cultural heritage that have been upheld by the indigenous communities for centuries.
