Former Regina police officer, cultural advisory pioneer Jim Pratt remembered

Retired Regina Police Service member and respected Indigenous elder James Pratt has died. He is remembered by RPS members and the community. Mick Favel reports.

James “Jim” Pratt, a retired member of the Regina Police Service (RPS) and respected Indigenous elder, has died.

Originally from Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation, Pratt spent his early years on the nation before joining RPS in 1983. He later became one of the first members of the force’s cultural advisory unit, which was created to foster communication between RPS and Regina’s diverse communities.

“[He] showed the value of how having a cultural community diversity program unit could benefit the police service and the community,” said RPS Chief Lorilee Davies. “His work in that role was really groundbreaking.”

Pratt played a key role in high-profile cases, including the search for missing five-year-old Tamra Keepness, helping to bridge the police service and Indigenous communities.

“We couldn’t put into words his value in that investigation,” Davies said. “Jim ensured those bridges were in place.

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Over his 25-year career, Pratt became the first Indigenous officer to retire after a full career with RPS. After leaving the force, he taught in the justice studies program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic for more than 15 years, encouraging young people to pursue their career goals.

“He was always looking to talk to young people, encouraging them to go in whatever career path,” said David Pratt, his brother. “I think that is the legacy and life he leaves behind: to help as many people as he could.”

In later years, Pratt served as an elder on the RPS elders’ advisory council and as a knowledge keeper at Ombudsman Saskatchewan, sharing an Indigenous perspective within the organization.

Pratt is survived by his wife, two sons, and a daughter.