
Film
The Cherokee Word for Water
2013 · 1h 32m · Drama
The story of Wilma Mankiller, the first modern female Chief of the Cherokee Nation.
- IMDb
- 7.9
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Overview
The Cherokee Word for Water is a feature-length motion picture that tells the story of the work that led Wilma Mankiller to become the first modern female Chief of the Cherokee Nation. Set in the early 1980s, The Cherokee Word for Water begins in the homes of a small town in rural Oklahoma where many houses lack running water and others are little more than shacks. The movie is told from the perspective of Wilma Mankiller and full-blood Cherokee organizer Charlie Soap who join forces to battle opposition and build a 16-mile waterline system using a community of volunteers. In the process, they inspire the townspeople to trust each other, to trust their way of thinking, and to spark a reawakening of the universal indigenous values of reciprocity and interconnectedness. This project also inspired a self-help movement in Indian Country that continues to this day. The movie is dedicated to Wilma Mankiller’s vision, compassion and incredible grace.
Where to watch
Cast
Kimberly Guerrero
Wilma Mankiller
Mo J.
Charlie Soap
Steeve Reeves
Johnson Soap
Darryl Tonemah
Chief Ross Swimmer

Oren R. Lyons
Grandfather

Zahn McClarnon
Deputy Jackson

Ben Livingston
Curly
Crew
- Charlie SoapProducer · Director
- Tim KellyWriter · Director
- Gary MirandaWriter
- Louise RubackyProducer · Editor · Writer
- Perry PickertProducer
- Kristina KiehlProducer
- Paul M. HellerExecutive Producer
- Laurene PowellExecutive Producer
Details
- Release date
- May 1, 2013
- Status
- Released
- Original language
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 32m
- Rated
- PG
- Genres
- Drama
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