Signed in April 2021, the act is in honor of the late Chief Mankiller and her widowed husband, Charlie Soap, who were known for their efforts in bringing running water to the community of Bell, Oklahoma. To date, the total allocation for funds is at $65 million.
Through the investment, the tribe has modernized Chief Mankiller’s former project within the Cherry Tree Water District, fixing leaks and aging equipment that affected nearly 800 homes.
The funds are also being used to repair lines, build water towers and examine systems in need of improvement in rural and underserved communities.
Soap, who attended the celebration, said he’s proud to see the Cherokee Nation continuing the legacy.
“It was an honor to work with Chief Mankiller in those early days, getting water to these communities. At the time, we didn’t know we were making all of these impacts as we were just working, putting water lines in, which I enjoyed tremendously,” Soap said at the celebration. “It’s interesting to watch all the progress the Cherokee Nation is making. I want to thank you for all you do for our people and supplying the need for water is a tremendous responsibility. Thank you for doing what you’re doing and appreciate this recognition and for Chief Mankiller. We never thought we would reach this place where so many people have water.
Part of the allocations include assisting elders and low-income individuals with their water bills.
In an article from Principal Chief Hoskin Jr, he said these investments are part of a greater picture,
“The Wilma P. Mankiller and Charlie Soap Water Act has made an impact we can measure in miles of water lines, gallons of clean water, and homes served. But the deeper impact is seen in the faces of families who turn on a faucet and trust what flows, knowing their Nation has invested in them. It is reflected in the smiles of children who can bathe safely and in elders who no longer worry if their utility bills will stretch far enough,” he wrote. “Building on the legacy of Wilma Mankiller and Charlie Soap means more than improving water access, it’s about empowering our people. Water truly is life, and in Cherokee Nation, we will continue to honor that truth for future generations.
Since the project began, the Cherokee Nation has identified over 8,000 homes that are unable to access public water. Last week, Chief Hoskin announced an additional $500,000 would be allocated to address these issues.
Read the full report here.
