An excavation program at a national historic area close to Fort St. John, B.C., is shedding light on 12,500 years of First Nations history, revealing remnants of ancient stone tools and animal remains. Tse’k’wa, owned by Doig River, Prophet River, and West Moberly First Nations, was a longstanding settlement of their Dane-zaa ancestors.
West Moberly Elder Laura Webb expressed the significance of this ancient archaeological site, emphasizing the enduring presence of the Dane-zaa people over millennia. With artifacts dating back at least 12,500 years, the site serves as a testament to the enduring heritage of the Indigenous community.
Tse’k’wa is among the 57,000 recognized archaeological sites in the province, offering a glimpse into the rich history of human habitation in North America since the last ice age. Managed by the nations, the site serves as a platform to educate visitors about their history, culture, and language.
While open to the public, the excavation work at the field school is conducted by students from the University of Northern British Columbia. According to Webb, Tse’k’wa serves as a cultural hub where ancestral practices and teachings are shared, showcasing the harmonious relationship that existed between the Dane-zaa people and nature.
The region was once home to giant bison that roamed the Peace valley as it transitioned from grassland to boreal forest following the retreat of a glacial lake. Additionally, the site is believed to have ritual importance, evidenced by the burial of two ravens a millennium apart, symbolizing spiritual significance across various Indigenous cultures.
Researchers have unearthed a wealth of artifacts at Tse’k’wa, including stone tools, ancient animal bones, and rare obsidian fragments prized for their sharpness. Notably, a 10,500-year-old stone bead discovered at the site represents the oldest known human adornment north of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, showcasing the site’s historical significance.
Garry Oker, an elder from Doig River First Nation, noted how the discovered artifacts align with the oral traditions passed down through generations. As the president of the Tse’k’wa Heritage Society, Oker emphasized the importance of preserving the site for cultural interpretation and community engagement.
The name Tse’k’wa, meaning “rock house” in Dane-zaa Záágéʔ, reflects the presence of a cave on the site. Visitors can explore the cave via a guided trail, learning about 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, highlighted the cultural significance of the site, where generations of Dane-zaa ancestors have practiced traditional customs that continue to be shared today.
The Tse’k’wa Heritage Society, established in 2012 by the three nations, aims to preserve the site as an interpretive center for cultural teachings and community gatherings. The artifacts uncovered at Tse’k’wa are deeply intertwined with the Dane-zaa stories and traditions that have been safeguarded for centuries, underscoring the exceptional cultural heritage of the site.
