An archaeological field school located near Fort St. John, B.C., at a national historic site is providing insights into 12,500 years of First Nations history, uncovering ancient stone tools and animal bones. Tse’k’wa, owned by Doig River, Prophet River, and West Moberly First Nations, was home to the Dane-zaa ancestors for many generations.
West Moberly Elder Laura Webb emphasized the significance of the site, stating that it validates the long-standing presence of the Dane-zaa people over millennia. With artifacts dating back at least 12,500 years, the site showcases the enduring history of the community.
Tse’k’wa is among more than 57,000 registered archaeological sites in the province, reflecting the rich heritage of human settlement in North America since the last ice age. The site serves as a platform for the nations to share their cultural heritage, language, and history with interested individuals.
While the public can visit the site, the field school activities are carried out by students from the University of Northern British Columbia. Elder Webb described Tse’k’wa as a gathering place to impart cultural knowledge and showcase the harmonious relationship the community had with nature.
The region was once home to extinct giant bison as the landscape transitioned from grasslands to boreal forests following the retreat of a glacial lake. The discovery of buried ravens, a significant spiritual symbol in various Indigenous cultures, suggests the site’s possible ritualistic importance.
Excavations at Tse’k’wa have revealed a wealth of artifacts, including stone tools, ancient animal bones, and rare obsidian fragments known for their sharpness. Notably, a 10,500-year-old stone bead found at the site represents the oldest human adornment discovered north of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico.
Garry Oker, an elder from Doig River First Nation, highlighted the alignment of the unearthed artifacts with traditional stories passed down through generations. He emphasized the importance of connecting these discoveries to the community’s narratives and history.
Established in 2012 by the three First Nations, the Tse’k’wa Heritage Society aims to preserve the site as an interpretive center for cultural teachings and community events. The name “Tse’k’wa,” meaning “rock house” in the Beaver language, refers to the cave on-site, which visitors can explore with informational signs detailing the site’s oral history.
Alyssa Currie, the executive director of the Tse’k’wa Heritage Society, emphasized the continuity of cultural practices spanning 500 generations of Dane-zaa ancestors. She highlighted the site as a platform for reclaiming and sharing cultural heritage with the broader public, linking archaeological findings to enduring community stories.
The Tse’k’wa Heritage Society continues to uphold Dane-zaa oral histories, reinforcing the community’s presence since ancient times through remarkable archaeological discoveries.
