Memorable Manitobans: Emma Garland Pratt (1884-1989)

Community activist.

Born at Portage la Prairie, Manitoba on 15 November 1884, she was educated there and lived with missionaries at the Portage Presbyterian Boarding School until the spring of 1904, when she moved to the Oak River Reserve to be with her mother when her young brother died. In June 1904, she married Matthew Pratt [Tunkancekigana] (?-1951) and eventually had eleven children. Active in her community, she served as church organist for 75 years and took part in sewing, fundraising and festivals of St. Luke’s Church at Sioux Valley. In 1977, she received a Manitoba Good Citizenship Award in recognition of her exemplary community service. She died in early January 1989, shortly after celebrating her 104th birthday.

Sources:

“Community honors ‘Konshi’ on her 100th birthday”, Brandon Sun, 22 November 1984, page 13.

“Emma Pratt’s life brought legendary stature”, Brandon Sun, 16 January 1989, page 2.

This profile was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Profile revised: 30 August 2010

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