The Cherokee Word for Water
2013, English. Directed by Charlie Soap & Tim Kelly.
The story of Wilma Mankiller, the first modern female Chief of the Cherokee Nation.
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.
- Runtime
- 1h 32m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG
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Where to watch The Cherokee Word for Water
The Cherokee Word for Water isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can watch it free or rent it or buy it online.
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Apple TV StoreAvailability in India as of 13 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
Details
- Released
- 1 May 2013
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Gary Miranda, Tim Kelly, Louise Rubacky
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News & fan talk
What The Cherokee Word for Water is based on
The Cherokee Word for Water is based on a true story.
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
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The Cherokee Word for Water: quick answers
Is The Cherokee Word for Water worth watching?
The Cherokee Word for Water doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is The Cherokee Word for Water?
The Cherokee Word for Water runs 92 minutes (1h 32m).
Does The Cherokee Word for Water have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Cherokee Word for Water. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Cherokee Word for Water parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
The Cherokee Word for Water is rated PG in India. That rating means it is generally fine for children.
Which OTT platform is The Cherokee Word for Water on?
The Cherokee Word for Water isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can watch it free or rent it or buy it online. (Checked 13 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Cherokee Word for Water?
If you liked The Cherokee Word for Water, try The Way West, Tell Them Willie Boy Is Here, A Call to Spy.
Who directed The Cherokee Word for Water?
The Cherokee Word for Water (2013) was directed by Charlie Soap and Tim Kelly and stars Kimberly Guerrero, Mo J., Steeve Reeves.
What is The Cherokee Word for Water based on?
The Cherokee Word for Water is based on a true story.