Last Updated on 5 days ago by Vijay Kumar
Harvey Pratt, the celebrated Native American forensic artist and designer of the National Native American Veterans Memorial, has died, officials confirmed late Wednesday. Pratt served with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) for 45 years and was widely respected for his contributions to forensic science and Native American art.
Pratt’s career spanned law enforcement, artistry, and veteran advocacy. A member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes, he began his professional journey in 1965 with the Midwest City Police Department, where his first forensic sketch led to an arrest and conviction.
He joined the OSBI in 1972, serving as a narcotics investigator, forensic artist, assistant director, and interim director before retiring. His expertise in witness description drawings, skull reconstruction, age progression and soft-tissue postmortem art helped solve countless cases nationwide. Beyond law enforcement, Pratt was a Vietnam veteran, having served with the U.S. Marine Corps, and his artistic work blended traditional Native American themes with his professional experience.
One of his most enduring legacies was the design of the National Native American Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., commissioned by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. His “Warriors’ Circle of Honor” stands as a tribute to Indigenous service members and reflects his deep cultural roots and commitment to honoring veterans.
Pratt is survived by his family and a legacy that bridges law enforcement, art, and Native American heritage, inspiring future generations of artists and veterans alike.
My name is Vijay Kumar. I work as content writer and founder of this website. I am studying BSC IT. I has been writing content since 2022. I also learn about journalism.
