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• Have you ever seen those drive though coffee kiosks called “Bigfoot Java”?

Yeah, they have a big brown footprint on their signs.

First, what’s java?

Right! Java is a word we use for coffee.

Why java?

Because it is a part of Indonesia where coffee is grown.

We should devote an entire podcast to coffee.

We should! But today let’s talk about Bigfoot.

Great idea!

What is Bigfoot?

Bigfoot is a big hairy creature that according to the legend,  lives in the deep forests of the Pacific Northwest.

Legend? What is a legend?

A legend is a story from the past that many people believe but which cannot be proved to be real.

The word legend can also be used to describe a well-known, famous person, 

Yes, like “Beyonce is a legend.”

Right! But here we’re using “legend“ to mean a story from the past that is believed by many people but cannot be proved to be real.

We said that in the Northwest we have the legend of a creature called Bigfoot.

We talked about the word legend, now what is a creature?

A creature is a living thing – like an animal. 

For example, “Elephants are amazing creatures!”

We also use creature for beings that are imaginary  - that exist only in our minds. 

For example, “Unicorns are imaginary creatures.”   

So, in the Northwest we have the legend of a creature called Bigfoot. 

And Bigfoot has another name, doesn’t he?

Yes! Sasquatch!

That's a wonderful name! Where did it come from?

The Indigenous or native people of the Sts'ailes (sta-hay-lis) tribe in southwestern British Columbia call the creature sasq'ets (sas-kets). “Sasquatch” is the anglicized name - the way English speakers changed the name to make it sound more like English. 

The indigenous people believe that Sasquatch is a “shape shifter” and can change into other shapes - like a rock or a tree.  

They believe that Sasquatch protects the land and the people.

What does Bigfoot or Sasquatch look like?

Giant (very big)

Hairy

Brown

Walks on two feet (upright)

Do people have any proof that Bigfoot or Sasquatch is real? 

Some people say they have photos, videos, or footprints of Bigfoot, but….

but … most have been hoaxes.

Hoaxes?

A hoax is a trick to make someone believe something

Is the creature we call Bigfoot or Sasquatch real? a legend? a hoax?

The answer depends on who you ask.

Send us an email at [email protected], dear listener and let us know what you think!

Tacomaliteracy.org