PAWHUSKA VILLAGE – Seeking another Osage Nation Congressional term, Angela Pratt hosted a brunch here and shared interests and past government experiences she hopes to continue building on, if elected.
On April 6, Pratt (Hominy District) held her event at Wakon Iron Hall with about 60 attending. Pratt previously served two Congressional terms (2014-2022), including four years as Speaker.
Congresswoman Paula Stabler introduced Pratt. “It was the year that she was (first) Speaker that really got me to understand her leadership abilities and it was her ability to communicate with all of us constantly” in addition to her abilities to juggle work and parenting responsibilities, Stabler said. “It really gave me insight to her passion and her love for the Osage people because if you don’t feel that way, you have no business being in the running.”
Pratt said: “I am dedicated to bringing the same passion and hard work that I put in, I started out as an employee for the Nation for four years and then went onto Congress … I’m the chaos coordinator and I thrive on that because I always say I’ve been very blessed, nothing makes me feel better than to give back and who better to give back to than your own people?”
“I’m just very direct, but I speak from my heart, I want progress and I’ve been a part of the progress that we’ve had. We’ve grown so much … but there’s so much to do and I want to be there for you and a strong voice for you in making that happen,” she said. “In that eight years, I was absent three days, all sessions, all special sessions. That’s my dedication to our people, I dove in, I don’t pretend to know everything, but I want to know and I’m committed to knowing.”
As an example of experience, Pratt shared details on the bill she sponsored for a Nation-owned funeral home (still in the works) after discussions with family and fellow Osages. “I would never file a piece of legislation just for funzies. I can tell you why I filed a bill for a funeral home … I was accused of doing it for campaign purposes. No way, I would never do that, that’s not even who I am. But I wanted it and the reason I wanted it is because I have sat there with multiple family members (outside closed funeral homes and coroner’s offices in all weather conditions) … I was mad and there was (American Rescue Plan Act) funds available and I put it out there.”
“A lot of times, we can’t just assume things, call me up and ask me why I did that,” Pratt said. “Those are the type of conversations that I have in our community that I’m willing to have … I want to go back into Congress and ask those questions (on the funeral home’s status), I want a seat at the table with our Chief and the other Congress members to move forward and do those things.”
