An archaeological field school situated at a national historic site near Fort St. John in British Columbia 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, holds significance as a site where Dane-zaa ancestors resided for generations.
Laura Webb, an Elder from West Moberly, emphasized the historical importance of the site, stating that it validates the presence of Dane-zaa people for over 12,500 years. Tse’k’wa is just one of more than 57,000 known archaeological sites in the province, showcasing human settlement dating back to the last ice age in North America.
The site serves as a platform for the nations to share their rich history, culture, and language with interested individuals. While the public can visit the space, the excavation work at the field school is conducted by students from the University of Northern British Columbia.
According to Webb, Tse’k’wa is a gathering spot where cultural teachings are imparted, offering a glimpse into how their ancestors harmoniously coexisted with nature. Rueben Jackson, a member of Prophet River First Nation, expressed the profound experience of participating in the field school, reflecting on the stories and myths he heard growing up about Tse’k’wa.
The area’s history reveals an era where giant bison roamed the Peace valley, evolving from grassland to boreal forest after the retreat of a glacial lake. Notably, the site is believed to have served as a ritualistic location, evidenced by the burial of two ravens—significant creatures in various Indigenous cultures—separated by a thousand years.
Excavations at Tse’k’wa have unveiled a treasure trove of artifacts, including stone tools, ancient animal bones, and rare obsidian fragments known for their sharp edges. Remarkably, a 10,500-year-old stone bead discovered at the site represents the oldest human adornment found north of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico.
Garry Oker, an elder from Doig River First Nation, expressed how the unearthed artifacts align with the oral traditions passed down through generations, connecting the present to the past. Oker, serving as the president of the Tse’k’wa Heritage Society, highlighted the society’s mission to preserve the site as an interpretive center for cultural teachings and community gatherings.
The name “Tse’k’wa,” translating to “rock house” in Dane-zaa Záágéʔ, alludes to the cave present at the site. Visitors can follow a trail leading to the cave, where signs narrate the oral history of the site and its correlation with the archaeological findings. Alyssa Currie, the executive director of the Tse’k’wa Heritage Society, emphasized the site’s importance as a place where Dane-zaa cultural heritage is celebrated and shared with the wider community.
Overall, Tse’k’wa stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Dane-zaa people, showcasing a cultural heritage that spans 500 generations and continues to be cherished and preserved through cultural practices and storytelling.
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