Long before Sasquatch became a pop culture phenomenon and a staple of cryptozoology lore, Indigenous peoples across North America had been sharing stories of large, hairy, human-like beings living in the forests and mountains. Known by many different names and characteristics depending on the tribe and region, these beings are deeply embedded in Native American oral traditions, where they serve purposes far beyond mere myth or folklore. We at The Wright Carver would like to share the origins of sasquatch legends in Native American culture.
Sasquatch
Among the Coast Salish peoples of the Pacific Northwest, the word “Sasq’ets” (which was anglicized to “Sasquatch”) comes from the Halq’eméylem language spoken by the Sts’ailes (formerly Chehalis) people of British Columbia. The Sasq’ets was not seen as a monster or a threat, but rather as a guardian of the forest, an elusive and spiritual being that deserved respect. For many Indigenous cultures, these creatures weren’t just real; they were part of the natural and spiritual landscape, often viewed as messengers, protectors, or even ancestral spirits.
Bigfoot
Further south, the Lummi people have stories of “Ts’emekwes,” another Bigfoot-like creature, while tribes in Northern California speak of “Oh-Mah,” a large forest dweller. The Yurok, Karuk, and Hoopa tribes along the Klamath River also recount tales of wild men who live in the mountains and only rarely interact with humans. These stories often describe the beings as shy, intelligent, and sometimes benevolent, but also capable of aggression if disrespected.
Hairy Men Forest Dwellers
In the Great Plains and beyond, tribes like the Sioux, Crow, and Cheyenne have stories of “Hairy Men” or “Big Elder Brothers”, tall, hairy, and strong forest dwellers. These beings often serve as cautionary figures in tribal stories, reminding people not to venture too deep into sacred or dangerous areas, or warning against hubris and disrespect toward the natural world.
What’s striking about these legends is their consistency across vast geographic distances. Though each tribe had its own name and slightly different depiction, the core idea of a large, hairy, humanlike creature that lives in remote wilderness areas shows up repeatedly. These beings are almost always described as elusive and spiritual, hinting that the stories may serve symbolic or teaching roles within the community. Rather than being dismissed as mere folklore, these tales offer insights into Native cosmology and the relationships Indigenous peoples maintain with nature and the unseen world.
Custom Chainsaw Carvings Based in Washington State (Hayden Wright is a traveling chainsaw artist who creates bold, one-of-a-kind wood carvings for clients and in competitions across the U.S. and Internationally)
Unlike modern pop culture, which often portrays Bigfoot as a curiosity or potential discovery, Native stories often stress respect, boundaries, and balance. In many cases, the Sasquatch figure reminds humans of their place in the world, not at the top of the food chain, but as part of a larger, mysterious ecosystem. In a nutshell, the origins of Sasquatch legends lie not in hoaxes or blurry photographs but in the rich oral traditions of Native American cultures. These stories are less about proving whether Sasquatch exists, and more about understanding humanity’s relationship with nature, mystery, and the spiritual realm. Bring the legend of Sasquatch to life with custom chainsaw carvings that capture its wild, mysterious spirit. Whether for your yard, cabin, or business, a handcrafted Sasquatch sculpture adds rustic charm and a touch of folklore to any space. Our skilled carvers blend artistry with tradition to create unforgettable pieces that honor the myth. Order your one-of-a-kind Sasquatch carving today!
