1970s KTUL sign-off: Indian sign language

Dick West's "Lord's Prayer" sign language from Channel 8's nightly signoff in the 1970s.

(from Guestbook 25) Christopher said:
I was reading in the first guestbook, and noticed a comment about Dick West's Indian Sign Language. It was at the end of Channel 8's day. Dick was a good friend of our family. Mr. Leake got Dick (who at that time was resident artist at Bacone College) to do it. Dick was a tremendous artist. He later went to an Indian college in Kansas, then retired to Ft. Gibson Lake. Some of his paintings can be seen at Gilcrease Museum, at Bacone, and even the Smithsonian. He moved to Arizona to be close to one of his sons, and died a few years ago.

(Video courtesy of Steve Smith)

More about Dick West at the top of this page:

http://tulsatvmemories.com/signoffs.html

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• KTUL
• Dick
• West
• Indian
• sign
• language
• Tulsa
• TV
• memories
• short
• film
• 1970s

[ksol1460]

This ran on one of our local stations for years. I can't even put my feelings into words at seeing it again. Thank you so much.

[tulsatv]

You are welcome.

[devulboy1]

This is sentimental and unique, the man was an authentic Native American and a devoted Christian, they do go together. The two characteristics of Oklahoma was its' strong Christian faith and owes its' foundation to Native Americans relocated after the removal (Trail of Tears), my maternal side of family originates and some of them live in the Tulsa area, my late grandfather was of Osage/Cherokee descent. I really liked this and thank you Tulsatv for putting it on here. +

[mdaviddobson]

I always loved this sign-off. When my father died (1995), we tried to find a copy of this video to play at his funeral. My father was Creek Indian and he too loved this clip.

[ChrisHenniker]

Can anyone translate what he said?

[groucho1953]

There use to be another version of this that had an Indian named Chief Shaka Bear Step, It  was a much better performance, just can't find it.

[LittleGoldWoman]

I wish I could find the version sang by a woman. It showed pictures of nature while she sang. I grew up with that one. This is the same melody though.

[PGMEagle]

Wow first time I saw this again in 35 years thanks for posting ! !

[old56timer]

good stuff ! i remember this when i was a youth, brings back good times. !!!!

[charlessmileyvideo]

It's perfect!

[joynjrny]

So beautiful! I remember seeing this as a child....and after all these years it still gives me pause and peace.

[aardvark1956]

Wonderful. The Lord is LORD of ALL! Too bad it isn't a bit closer in parts (hard to discern exact motions). Thanks for sharing this :)

[aardvark1956]

Wonderful. The Lord is LORD of ALL!

[lilred4306]

I can not express how much this clip means to me.My Grandfather & I would watch this together when I was a child.After he passed, this was all that I had left of him, and when it no longer played on the air, I felt lost.I was a nine year old girl who, in some cases, had no one to trust..He was my voice and strength.I value the Native American culture and I hold dearly it's beliefs.Since I have found it now, I truly belive it will be the starting point of me overcoming my mental illness. TY! <3