Murray Wood: Who's hot... and who's not
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Respected Indigenous Elder and longtime Regina Police Service (RPS) officer James “Jim” Pratt died on Friday at the age of 70.
Pratt, who spent 25 years with RPS and was one of the lead investigators in the disappearance of five-year-old Regina girl Tamra Keepness in 2004, retired in 2008 but continued his lifelong commitment to public service until his death.
Read more:
- New testing being done in evidence for Tamra Keepness disappearance
- Indigenous Peoples play a key role in national security: Gov. Gen. Mary Simon
- Feds earmark $1.55 billion to ensure equal services for First Nations kids
Pratt, a member of Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation, also served in the RCMP and Canadian Armed Forces, and after his retirement worked as an instructor and facilitator for the Aboriginal Police Prep Program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. He was also a member of Regina/Treaty Status Indian Services Inc.
In 2024, Pratt was appointed Knowledge Keeper/Carrier and Elders’ Helper for for the Office of the Saskatchewan Ombudsman, which the office said at the time was a position that “upholds a place of honour … firmly rooted in the guiding principles of Truth and Reconciliation.”
Jim Pratt spent 25 years with Regina Police Service and was one of the lead investigators in the disappearance of five-year-old Regina girl Tamra Keepness in 2004. He retired from the service in 2008. (FSIN/Facebook)
In a Facebook post, the Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation said Pratt carried his traditional teachings with him throughout his life and would be remembered for his “wisdom, humility, and many years of service to the community.”
“He believed in listening first, building trust, and encouraging others to hold onto their language and identity,” the Facebook post said.
Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) said on Facebook that Pratt “had a rare and genuine gift, and that was his ability to build bridges where others saw walls.”
FSIN said his “connection to First Nations’ culture, language, and identity remained throughout his life, having been heavily influenced by his late mother and father. He was not just professional; it was deeply personal and lifelong.”
Pratt is survived by his wife Delores, sons Joshua and Jason, and daughter Christa.
A wake is planned for March 3 at Muscowpetung Education Centre at Muscowpetung First Nation in Fort Qu’Appelle from 4 p.m., and a funeral service will be held at the same venue on March 4 at 11 a.m.
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