Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 6 days ago
Long before printing presses, radio, television, or the internet, Indigenous nations across North America relied on a powerful and sophisticated form of communication: Plains Indian Sign Language.
In this episode of Wyoming Chronicle, host Steve Peck speaks with Dr. Lanny Real Bird, educator and cultural scholar, about how Plains Indian Sign Language functioned as a continent-wide mass medium—bridging language barriers between tribes, facilitating trade, diplomacy, storytelling, and even influencing modern communication systems we still use today.
Dr. Real Bird explains why sign language is embedded in human DNA, how it connects to learning, storytelling, sports, theater, medicine, and why it remains deeply relevant in today’s technology-driven world. From football referee signals to hospital communication, this ancient system continues to shape how humans understand one another.
This conversation offers insight into Indigenous knowledge systems, communication history, and the timeless power of human expression—without screens, wires, or devices.
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⏱️Timestamps
0:00 – Introduction: Mass Media Before Modern Technology
0:35 – Who Is Dr. Lanny Real Bird?
1:54 – What Is Plains Indian Sign Language?
3:03 – Sports, Signals, and Modern Relevance
4:55 – Technology vs. Human Communication
7:00 – Sign Language as Original Media
10:00 – Hospital Story: Sign Language Saving Lives
12:38 – Plains Indian Sign Language vs. ASL
14:52 – Language, Theater, and Storytelling
16:04 – Why Sign Language Is Ideal for Learning
19:55 – How Old Is Plains Indian Sign Language?
22:08 – European Observations & U.S. History
23:26 – Treaties, Translation, and Miscommunication
26:26 – Why This Language Still Matters Today
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With Wyoming PBS content you can delve into Wyoming history, explore the breathtaking beauty of our iconic national parks, and immerse yourself in the inspiring tales of Native American leaders, ranching life, the wonders of nature, and the many things to do in Wyoming. Whether you're seeking inspiring narratives or planning your next adventure in our beautiful state, WY PBS is your trusted guide.
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Long before printing presses, radio, television, or the internet, Indigenous nations across North America relied on a powerful and sophisticated form of communication: Plains Indian Sign Language.
In this episode of Wyoming Chronicle, host Steve Peck speaks with Dr. Lanny Real Bird, educator and cultural scholar, about how Plains Indian Sign Language functioned as a continent-wide mass medium—bridging language barriers between tribes, facilitating trade, diplomacy, storytelling, and even influencing modern communication systems we still use today.
Dr. Real Bird explains why sign language is embedded in human DNA, how it connects to learning, storytelling, sports, theater, medicine, and why it remains deeply relevant in today’s technology-driven world. From football referee signals to hospital communication, this ancient system continues to shape how humans understand one another.
This conversation offers insight into Indigenous knowledge systems, communication history, and the timeless power of human expression—without screens, wires, or devices.
---
⏱️Timestamps
0:00 – Introduction: Mass Media Before Modern Technology
0:35 – Who Is Dr. Lanny Real Bird?
1:54 – What Is Plains Indian Sign Language?
3:03 – Sports, Signals, and Modern Relevance
4:55 – Technology vs. Human Communication
7:00 – Sign Language as Original Media
10:00 – Hospital Story: Sign Language Saving Lives
12:38 – Plains Indian Sign Language vs. ASL
14:52 – Language, Theater, and Storytelling
16:04 – Why Sign Language Is Ideal for Learning
19:55 – How Old Is Plains Indian Sign Language?
22:08 – European Observations & U.S. History
23:26 – Treaties, Translation, and Miscommunication
26:26 – Why This Language Still Matters Today
---
With Wyoming PBS content you can delve into Wyoming history, explore the breathtaking beauty of our iconic national parks, and immerse yourself in the inspiring tales of Native American leaders, ranching life, the wonders of nature, and the many things to do in Wyoming. Whether you're seeking inspiring narratives or planning your next adventure in our beautiful state, WY PBS is your trusted guide.
Subscribe to our channel: youtube.com/wyomingpbs
Subscribe to our email newsletter: wyomingpbs.org/newsletter-signup-form
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/WyomingPBS
Follow us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/wyoming-pbs
