An archaeological field school located near Fort St. John, B.C., at a national historic site is uncovering 12,500 years of First Nations history, including ancient stone tools and animal bones. Tse’k’wa, owned by Doig River, Prophet River, and West Moberly First Nations, holds significance as an ancestral site for the Dane-zaa people, who have inhabited the area for millennia.
Elder Laura Webb from West Moberly expressed the cultural importance of the site, emphasizing the deep roots of the Dane-zaa people in the region. The artifacts discovered at Tse’k’wa provide evidence of the long-standing presence of the Indigenous community, showcasing a history that extends over thousands of years.
The site, one of over 57,000 known archaeological sites in British Columbia, reflects human settlement dating back to the last ice age. It serves as a platform for the nations to share their rich history, culture, and language with the public. The field school, primarily facilitated by University of Northern British Columbia students, allows for hands-on exploration and learning experiences.
Tse’k’wa is more than a mere archaeological site; it is a gathering place where the Dane-zaa people aim to impart cultural teachings and showcase their harmonious relationship with nature. The excavation work at the site has unearthed remnants of long-extinct giant bison and ancient artifacts like stone tools, animal bones, obsidian fragments, and a 10,500-year-old stone bead, providing insights into early human adornment practices in the region.
Garry Oker, an elder with Doig River First Nation, highlighted the alignment of the artifacts with oral traditions passed down through generations. The Tse’k’wa Heritage Society, established by the three nations in 2012, seeks to preserve the site as an interpretive center for cultural teachings and community events, emphasizing the importance of connecting the past with the present.
Tse’k’wa, which means “rock house” in the Dane-zaa Záágéʔ language, encompasses a cave that visitors can explore, learning about the site’s oral history and how it intertwines with the archaeological findings. The site serves as a living testament to the enduring cultural heritage of the Dane-zaa people, with ancestral practices still being observed today.
Alyssa Currie, the executive director of the Tse’k’wa Heritage Society, highlighted the significance of the site in preserving Dane-zaa cultural heritage and sharing their stories with the wider community. The archaeological discoveries at Tse’k’wa validate the oral histories and traditions of the Dane-zaa people, reinforcing their longstanding presence in the region.