The Cherokee Word for Water

Movie·2013·1h 32m

The Cherokee Word for Water

The story of Wilma Mankiller, the first modern female Chief of the Cherokee Nation.

Country

United States of America

Language

English

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// overview

The Story

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.

Written By

Gary Miranda

Producer

Perry Pickert, Kristina Kiehl

Editor

Louise Rubacky

Themes

native americanbased on true story

Audience Score

87%

3 votes

Skip4%
Timepass8%
Go for it32%
Perfection56%

Where to watch

Region: US

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// cast

Cast

Kimberly Guerrero

Wilma Mankiller

Mo J.

Charlie Soap

Steeve Reeves

Johnson Soap

Darryl Tonemah

Chief Ross Swimmer

Oren R. Lyons

Oren R. Lyons

Grandfather

Zahn McClarnon

Zahn McClarnon

Deputy Jackson

Ben Livingston

Ben Livingston

Curly

// crew

Crew

Perry Pickert

Producer

Kristina Kiehl

Producer

Charlie Soap

Producer, Director

Tim Kelly

Writer, Director

Laurene Powell

Executive Producer

Louise Rubacky

Writer, Producer, Editor

Paul M. Heller

Executive Producer

Gary Miranda

Writer

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