The focus of this lesson is on Native American sign language as a form of communication. As the indigenous people of this country began to evolve, so did oral communication. Many tribes in this country spoke various languages, which made verbal communication difficult. So, within the native culture, sign language cut across language barriers. As sign language flourished throughout the native communities, it was admired and became very prestigious. Due to its rising status across the Indian nations, it became exclusively used by chiefs, elders, medicine men, women, and interpreters.