Plains Indian Sign Language with Mark Warren

Unearth a Story

This interactive program delves into the origins of hand signals used by Native Americans, why it was developed as a universal language in the Great Plains, how it was refined into conversational usage, and its importance to the history of so many different tribes. Native sign language shows off the impressive depth of knowledge that the first people of America held on natural history. Learn how to execute enough signs to converse with a friend by way of a secret communication. And be sure to bring that friend to the program! At the end of the presentation, the audience will be able to interpret a story silently signed by the instructor.

About Mark Warren:

Mark Warren is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Georgia. At Medicine Bow, his nationally renowned wilderness school in the mountains of Dahlonega, GA, he teaches nature classes and primitive survival skills. In 1980, The National Wildlife Federation named him Georgia’s Conservation Educator of the Year. In 1998 Mark became the U.S. National Champion in whitewater canoeing, and in 1999 he won the World Championship Longbow title.

Mark has written extensively about nature for local and national magazines and has researched Western frontier history for more than 50 years presenting at museums and cultural centers around the country. He has 20 traditionally published books, and has been honored by the Spur Awards, The Historical Novel Society, the Will Rogers Medallion Awards, The New Mexico – Arizona Book Awards, and in 2022 Mark was honored with a Georgia Author of the Year Award for his book Song of the Horseman (the Literary Fiction Finalist). Most recently Mark was honored with a 2025 Will Rogers Medallion Award for his duology on Nate Champion. Check out his books in our catalog!

Event Image Credit: Mark Warren

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