First Indian sign language conference taking place in Montana
The first Plains Indian sign language conference in 80 years is taking place this week on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in Montana.

Indian sign was used as a method of communication among tribes that spoke different languages. But only a couple dozen signers remain on reservations in Montana.

“Being able to carry on a fluent conversation, you’re running pretty short on who can do it,” researcher Ron Garritson told The Billings Gazette.

The conference runs August 12-August 15.

Get the Story:
Silent communication: Sign-talkers share vanishing language (The Billings Gazette 8/10)