Angela Marie Pratt announces candidacy for Third Osage Nation Congress

Pratt was raised traditionally, is an honored veteran, and has achieved success in education, career and social services.

I am honored and humbled to announce my candidacy for the Third Osage Nation Congress. I believe that candidates should have the knowledge and communication skills necessary to address the needs of our people. I am running for election because I feel my education, experience, and upbringing have prepared me to represent our Osage people. 

I earned a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice.  I have completed several hours towards a M.S. in Counseling Psychology and I am currently enrolled in an American Indian Studies program.  I served in the United States Army. I am a member of the American Legion Post 198 in Pawhuska, OK. and was recently re-elected to serve as Vice Commander. As an Osage veteran, I will author or support legislative efforts to provide additional services for our veterans. 

My traditional upbringing has afforded me the opportunity to witness firsthand the significance of our culture. I feel that our government should always place our culture and elders at the top of our priorities. I support the Nations endeavors to provide better healthcare for our people and extended benefits to our elders.  

Education continues to be a priority for our nation. It is my intention to ensure our children are receiving the best education services we can offer.  We must help them to understand that higher education is an obtainable goal and provide the tools and encouragement they need. 

For seven years I worked for the Drug Enforcement Administration. I worked with several local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.  Before my employment with the DEA, I worked as a Veterans Education Benefits Counselor at Tulsa Community College for the Veterans Administration. I currently serve as the Director for three Osage Nation programs; Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), General Assistance (GA) and Financial Hardship Assistance (FHA), formerly known as the Crisis Assistance Program. In my position, I see the various social issues that are affecting Osages of all ages.  What is happening today can have a serious effect on us for generations to come.

I believe we need to address these issues to ensure our families are safe from homelessness, drug and alcohol dependency, child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, and unemployment.  There is a need for effective legislation that will produce positive results for our people.  The programs that I oversee require our clients to job search; therefore, I see first hand the need to create jobs within the reservation.  I will support any enterprise that after careful study and consideration is deemed beneficial and will create jobs for our people. 

We have an obligation to protect our Sovereignty and work diligently towards Self-determination.  I hope to enhance the communication between all three branches and among the people in order to move towards self governance. I am #18 on the ballot and I respectfully ask for your vote on June 4, 2012.