Charles Arthur Pratt, Jr., 71 years of age, of Hominy, Oklahoma, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2015 at the Fairfax Manor in Fairfax, Oklahoma. He was born in Hominy, Oklahoma to Charles Arthur Pratt, Sr. and Lottie (Shunkamolah) Pratt on February 10, 1944. He was a life time Hominy and Tulsa area resident.
Charles attended and graduated from Stillwater High School in Stillwater, Oklahoma and attended Oklahoma State University. He then attended and received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of New Mexico. He worked in sales and tourism and lived in San Antonio for a number of years and worked at the Guadalupe Cultural Center there.
Charles was an Osage Tribal member, from the Zon-zo-li (Hominy), District. He was an elder of the Ponca Clan, with his Osage name being Wa-sis-tah. He was the Hominy Drumkeeper in the early 1960s, with over 50 consecutive years on the Hominy Ilonska War Dance Committee. Charles, along with his mother, Lottie Pratt and brothers, taught Osage language classes for years. He was a founding member of the Lottie Shunkamolah Chapter of the Native American Church, along with his brother Dr. Steven Pratt.
Charles was instrumental in Osage political and legal history, including giving all Osages the right to vote. Charles was a staunch advocate for the protection of the Osage mineral estate and trust. He was involved with efforts started by the Osage full bloods for the protection of the Osage mineral estate as well as the return of shares to the Osages. His most recent case, Fletcher v. United States, Charles served as one of the plaintiffs and was able to make landmark legislation in demanding an accounting of Osage shares to individual Osages. Charles motivation was to leave the Osage mineral estate better and secure for the next generation of Osages.
Charles had an incredible passion for life and was always willing to provide guidance and encouragement to individuals. He was knowledgeable of all the facets of Osage culture and history.
Charles is survived by: his brother, Steve Pratt of Edmond, OK; nephews: Joseph Pratt and Jonas Smith; nieces: Kristen Pratt and Tara Damron; along with numerous other relatives and friends.
Charles is preceded in death by: his parents; his brother, Michael Pratt and his grandparents, Joe and Margaret Shunkamolah.
Indian services were held on Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at 9:00 AM at the Hominy Indian Village Chapel with Dr. Steven Pratt officiating. Funeral services were then held at 10:30 AM at The Friends Church in Hominy with Pastor David Nagle officiating. Burial followed at A. J. Powell Memorial Cemetery in Hominy. Pallbearers were: John Maker, Larry Maker, Scott Heskett, Brian Strye, Joe Hall, Jason Murphy, Franklin McKinley and John Holloway. Arrangements were by Powell Funeral Home in Hominy, Oklahoma.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lottie Shunkamolah Chapter of the Native American Church in Hominy, Oklahoma.
By
Osage News
Original Publish Date: 2015-03-19 00:00:00
