High Desert Museum Exhibit: Indigenous Artists' Perspectives on Sasquatch

A new art exhibit is challenging visitors to view Sasquatch through a lens of indigenous artists, and the results are anything but the kitschy character or mystery entertainment often portrayed in American pop culture. The exhibit, titled "Sensing Sasquatch," features the work of five indigenous artists from various tribes across North America, each offering their unique cultural connection and interpretation of Sasquatch. The YouTube channel Native Voice One recently featured this exhibit in a segment of their show, Native America Calling. The segment began with a report from National Native News on the careful cultivation of the camas plant, a first food staple for Native Americans, for over 3,500 years. The report highlighted the selective harvesting of the plant by native gatherers, showing careful stewardship of the plant. The exhibit "Sensing Sasquatch" was then introduced, with the artists sharing their perspectives on Sasquatch. Rocky Lorac, a carver and artist from the Chehalis Coast Salish Nation in British Columbia, shared that his people call Sasquatch "saset" and hold him in the highest respect. Lorac's artwork focuses on Sasquatch transforming and shape-shifting, reflecting the belief that Sasquatch is a shape-shifter and Transformer. Frank Buffalo Hyde, a painter, mixed media sculptor, and art writer from the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation in North Dakota, shared his interpretation of Sasquatch as a symbol of resistance and survival. Hyde's work often explores the intersection of Native American culture and contemporary society, and his interpretation of Sasquatch is no different. Halana Cougar Tracks Dakota Little Bull, an artist from the Yakama Nation in Washington, shared her perspective on Sasquatch as a protector and healer. Little Bull's work often incorporates traditional Native American materials and techniques, and her interpretation of Sasquatch reflects the deep cultural connection and respect for the elusive being. The exhibit "Sensing Sasquatch" offers a refreshing and culturally rich perspective on Sasquatch, challenging the often sensationalized and trivializing portrayals in American pop culture. The exhibit serves as a reminder of the deep cultural connection and respect that many indigenous tribes have for Sasquatch, and the importance of viewing Sasquatch through a lens of cultural understanding and respect. I encourage our readers to check out the exhibit "Sensing Sasquatch" and the Native Voice One segment featuring the exhibit. The segment offers a fascinating look into the cultural significance of Sasquatch and the unique interpretations of indigenous artists.