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The Abandoned Tahltan Indian Capital East of Telegraph Creek, British Columbia, Canada |
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When Europeans first ventured into the Stikine they found the nomadic Athapascan native group, the Tahltans, occupying the land. The Tahltans migrated with the food supply, from the rich summer salmon runs on the rivers, to winter hunting in the forests. Though they had no permanent dwelling houses, they did maintain a ceremonial center near the junction of the Stikine and Tahltan Rivers. By the twentieth century this had become a small town, with a scattering of houses and a church. There was even a unique breed of dog here, the Tahltan bear dog. But now the Tahltans, reduced to less than a thousand population, live mostly in Telegraph Creek and Dease Lake, and the old capital is once again deserted for much of the year. Even the bear dog is gone, extinct as a breed.This is a lonely and beautiful spot, high and aloof on a bluff above the fish camps on the river. Signs warn against trespassing — inquire locally before visiting. Next: Meeting of the Stikine and Tahltan Rivers |