Sawmills are loud places. Menominee Tribal Enterprises in Neopit is no exception. Talking across the mill floor is nearly impossible because of the noise. That’s why for more than a century, the workers in this mill carry on conversations in a different way. They created their own sign language.

It’s not based on American Sign Language or Menominee language. It’s an entirely unique system used only by people in this sawmill. Joe Besaw started at the mill in the 1980s before moving into the sales department. He says sign language is crucial to communicate on the floor. “If you didn’t know that sign language, I mean, you know, you’d have a hard time up there. So the guys learn fast,” says Besaw.