- Elderly Cherokee woman, Nanyehi, is visited by spirits of her past as she struggles with a very important decision that will affect the Cherokee people.
- Nanyehi, also known as Nancy Ward, was originally a battle tested warrior. After watching her husband killed in battle, she rallied and lead the Cherokee to a stunning victory that ended a forty year war with the Creek Indians. For her bravery in battle, she was given the coveted title of "War Woman," which gave her much power in the decision making within the Cherokee. While reflecting on her life and the fast cultural changes brought on by the encroaching American settlers, pushing their way West in the late 1700's, Nanyehi saw that "peace among all" and "respect for all" was the only way that society would survive. For her beliefs and actions, she was bestowed the title of "Beloved Woman of the Cherokee," the highest position a Cherokee woman could hold. Nanyehi today, is considered by the Cherokee Nation as one of the five most influential women in Cherokee history. Newsweek magazine listed her as one of thirteen female "Political Pioneers" in American History. Her story needs to be told.
Our film begins with elderly Nanyehi feeling nostalgic about her lost home of Chota, and her first love and husband, who died in battle. She is concerned and upset that the Americans are asking for, and taking more land from the Cherokee people. Nanyehi takes a walk in the woods to think of what appropriate actions should be taken to protect the rights of the Cherokee people.
As Nanyehi enters the woods, she transitions into her younger self. She is visited by several spirits of her past, reminding her of the various transforming events of her life. As Nanyehi comes face to face with the troubles of her past, she is reminded by her own words on how to handle her present day dilemma of how to preserve the lands of her people. Her decisions influenced the Cherokee then, and well beyond her own lifetime.
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