Yakama Nation Member's Hundreds of Bigfoot Encounters in Pacific Northwest Forests

Posted Friday, March 21, 2025

By Squatchable.com staff

A fascinating account of Bigfoot encounters and cultural stories has been shared on the YouTube channel of Linda Eastburn. The video, titled "Bigfoot Stories from the Elders passed down from a grandfather to his grandson," features Mel Skan, an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation in central Washington. Mel Skan's interest in Bigfoot, or Sasquatch, began in his childhood when he was told stories by his great-grandfather, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. These stories were not just tales but a part of the rich cultural history of the Yakama people. The stories revolved around the yakas, the forest people, and the little people, or the Stick Indians, who lived together and thrived before the arrival of white settlers. As Mel grew older and pursued a career in forestry, his fascination with Bigfoot deepened. He had numerous encounters with the elusive creature, experiencing strange smells, sounds, and feelings of being watched. In his 30 to 35 years of working in the forestry industry, Mel estimates that he had 100 to 150 accounts every year, witnessing various signs of Bigfoot's presence, such as wood knocks, distant howls, whistles, whoops, and rocks clacking. Despite these encounters, Mel chose not to confront the creature physically. He believes that the Sasquatch knew who he was and respected his presence in the forest. Mel's respect for the creature is evident in his approach to encounters, introducing himself and explaining his purpose in the forest. This captivating account of Bigfoot encounters and cultural stories highlights the importance of preserving and sharing indigenous knowledge about these elusive creatures. The video is a must-watch for anyone interested in Bigfoot or Sasquatch and their role in Native American culture. You can view the video on Linda Eastburn's YouTube channel and learn more about Mel Skan's experiences and the rich cultural history of the Yakama people.