This is a period horror film set in the American Southeast. Time frame is the early 1700’s as whites encroach on Native lands.
The cast is completely Native except for one, non-speaking, white girl (age 7).
The story opens as WAYA, a Cherokee man, comforts his wife ADSILA in their home. Obviously they mourn the death of a child. Their grief, interrupted by a commotion outside, Waya leaves to investigate. The Cherokee have been attacked by their age old adversaries the Catawba. Several men, including Waya, his brother MOHE, and friends DUSTU, AMA, AND BODAWAY go off to avenge the attack. They are caught in an ambush, however, and only Waya, Mohe, Ama, Dustu, and Bodaway escape.
On their way back home, the five come across a White Man's home. It appears to be deserted, but they find an old Cherokee woman, TADITHA, and a small WHITE GIRL. Waya decides to take the White Girl home to replace the daughter he lost. Almost instantly, their position goes from bad to worse as one by one the wounded warriors die off. Mohe suspects black magic but Waya refuse to believe.
It's not until Waya finally reaches his village and enter his home do we know the truth.