An archaeological collection reaffirming 12,500 years of Dane-zaa cultural activity has been returned home to Tse’k’wa National Historic Site, fifty years after excavations first began at the cave.

Tse’k’wa, or “rock house” in Dane-zaa/Beaver language, has been a gathering place of the Dane-zaa ancestors for over 12,500 years; formerly known as the Charlie Lake Cave, it is one of Canada’s most significant archaeological sites. Simon Fraser University (SFU) began excavations at the site in 1974 and continued in 1983, 1990, and 1991. Fifty years later, SFU has returned the collection to Tse’k’wa National Historic Site, where it will be stored in the site’s new artifact repository and used to develop public educational content. The repatriation represents an important achievement not only for Tse’k’wa, but for First Nations communities across Canada as an example of Indigenous-led stewardship of a National Historic Site. The site is owned and managed by Tse’k’wa Heritage Society, a collaboration of three Dane-zaa First Nations: Doig River, Prophet River, and West Moberly First Nations.
“It is a great honour to work on this project with everyone, especially implementing what the elders said to us… [speaking in Dane-zaa Záágéʔ / Beaver language] ‘You guys do it. Put it in a good order, in a good way. That way people can learn from our history… You’ve got to pick it up and make something with it.’ That’s what we did.” – Garry Oker, Board President and Doig River First Nation Representative, Tse’k’wa Heritage Society.

The archaeological materials excavated from Tse’k’wa date back to the end of the last ice age, when the Dane-zaa ancestors hunted wǫlii nachíí (giant animals) including now extinct ancient bison species. They left behind evidence of their activities including hunting and trapping a wide range of animals, fishing at nearby lhuuge saahgéʔ (fish creek), ritual behaviors, and even beading. Tse’k’wa is a rare example of a place that preserves a complete archaeological record of people and animals from the end of the ice age to recent times. The unique stratigraphy, intact layers of soil, at the site allows for study of changing artifact styles and more accurate dating of animal bones and materials. After decades of academic study and curating the collection, SFU professor emeritus Jon Driver was instrumental in supporting the Society’s repatriation request.
“As an archaeologist, I believe that the best protection for the site and the collections will come from people whose history is embodied in the site. The collection provides a wealth of evidence to support public education about Dane-zaa people and culture. Being able to display actual excavated objects can bring the past alive for both locals and visitors, and these objects form the core evidence for interpretations that can be presented to the broader public. ” – Jon Driver, Professor Emeritus, Simon Fraser University.

Formal discussions of a repatriation began in 2012, when three First Nations purchased the property containing the cave and established the Tse’k’wa Heritage Society. The Society has worked to preserve the site and advocate for its importance, including offering public tours and educational programming. The physical repatriation was preceded by a digital repatriation of the collection and the Launch of the Tse’k’wa Digital Archive in February. Meanwhile, the Society has completed major infrastructure improvements to enhance access to the site and retrofit the main building to serve as the artifact repository. The application for repository status– reflecting three years of cultural consultations, infrastructure improvements, and policy development – was officially approved by the BC Archaeology Branch in March 2024. The Tse’k’wa collection was returned home immediately after. A Tse’k’wa delegation traveled to SFU to complete private ceremonies and to escort home ancestral remains that were contained within the collection. The physical repatriation was funded by First Peoples’ Cultural Council (FPCC).
“In 2023, FPCC funded 16 repatriation projects for First Nations across B.C., including the Tse’k’wa repatriation project. FPCC holds its hands up to the Dane-zaa communities and the Tse’k’wa Heritage Society for their tremendous efforts to reclaim and now steward Tse’k’wa. The repatriation of Ancestors and Cultural Belongings is an important step towards reconciliation. For many First Nations, this work is only beginning in B.C. and will take generations, with long-term funding and changes to policies and legislation. We are proud to continue to walk alongside B.C. First Nations throughout their repatriation journeys.” – Karen Aird, Manager of Culture and Heritage, FPCC.

The repatriation was initially kept private in order to allow time for cultural protocols to be observed and for the community to perform private ceremonies for the returned ancestral remains. Tse’k’wa Heritage Society hosted a community celebration to officially announce the repatriation on July 31st at Tse’k’wa National Historic Site. Dane-zaa community members and Elders, representatives from SFU and FPCC, and the public gathered at the site to drum, dance, feast, and honor the return home of the collection and the ancestor. The Society showcased a selection of artifacts during the celebration alongside reproductions of original field notes and an interpretive plan that outlines goals for future public access and education at the site. The archaeological materials will now be preserved and used to celebrate 12,500 years of history at Tse’k’wa.
“I believe that Tse’k’wa is one of those places that intersects between past, present, and future at the same time… I think, because of the significance of it, we need to make it come alive for future generations and everybody – to know how important it is that we are still the descendants of those great dreamers in the past.” – Garry Oker, Board President and Doig River First Nation Representative, Tse’k’wa Heritage Society.

MEDIA: Full resolution photographs can be found here. For more information about the repatriation and celebration, please contact Alyssa Currie, Tse’k’wa Executive Director at 250-224-7906 or TsekwaHeritage@gmail.com