Bigfoot Through Indigenous Eyes: Cree Traditions and Land Connections

In a recent video from the Keepers of the Water YouTube channel, esteemed knowledge keeper Dr. Kevin Lewis shares his insights on Bigfoot from a Nahia Plains Cree perspective. Dr. Lewis is an instructor, researcher, and writer who has worked in higher learning institutions in the prairie provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. He has been promoting land and language-based education in community schools for the past 15 years. Dr. Lewis begins by introducing himself and acknowledging the land and water of the boreal forest, where he is from. He then delves into the topic of Bigfoot, which he refers to as "Mustapio" or "the big man" in Cree. Dr. Lewis shares that he has been researching and asking elders about this being, and he has discovered that the term commonly used in his area is "Styino." Dr. Lewis shares some of the teachings he has received about Styino, including that they are protectors of sacred places and that they can be seen as a good sign when one's aura is clean and pure. He also mentions that children are often the ones who see these beings. One interesting story Dr. Lewis shares is about a relative of ours named Ginatus, who was known for his intelligence and ingenuity. Ginatus lived during the time of the big beings and was gifted with thought. He was part of the original relatives of ours and was known for his ability to invent new technologies. Dr. Lewis also mentions that these big beings were really good to us at first, but eventually, they started abusing us and other things. He mentions stories of slavery and cannibalism, and how these actions led to an imbalance that eventually caused a flood. I found this video to be fascinating and informative. Dr. Lewis's insights and knowledge about Bigfoot from a Cree perspective are valuable and add to the ongoing conversation about this elusive being. I encourage our readers to check out the full video on the Keepers of the Water YouTube channel.