Russell Mirasty, a 36-year veteran of the RCMP and La Ronge resident, has been appointed as Saskatchewan's new lieutenant governor. (file photo/CKOM News Staff)

By CKOM News Staff

Lt.-Gov. Russell Mirasty

Russell Mirasty named lieutenant-governor of Saskatchewan

Jul 17, 2019 | 10:55 AM

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced the appointment of Russell Mirasty as Saskatchewan’s new lieutenant-governor.

The 36-year veteran of the RCMP succeeds Thomas Molloy, who died July 2 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Mirasty, a member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, is to be sworn in at a ceremony Thursday. He becomes the first Indigenous person to be the Queen’s representative in Saskatchewan.

“Known as a relationship-builder, Mr. Mirasty is an outstanding leader who paved the way for Indigenous peoples in the national police force,” Trudeau said in a media release.

“As lieutenant-governor of Saskatchewan, I know he will continue to make a difference for the people of his province and all Canadians, and inspire others to create change in their communities.”

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Lt.-Gov. Russell Mirasty. (submitted photo/Government of Saskatchewan, Chris Graham)

“I look forward to working with Mr. Mirasty as he assumes the role of Saskatchewan’s lieutenant-governor,” Premier Scott Moe added in a media release. “With a deep connection to Saskatchewan’s Indigenous communities and a background of service with the RCMP, Mr. Mirasty will bring a valuable perspective to a role that has a rich history of service to the people of Saskatchewan.”

Mirasty joined the RCMP in 1976 as one of only two Indigenous cadets in his troop at Depot Division. After graduating from Depot, he had postings in seven provinces and eventually handled duties in every province and territory.

He also served in other roles across the country, including as director general of National Aboriginal Policing Services and as the commanding officer at “F” Division in Regina.

In Saskatchewan, he also volunteered to be an Aide de Camp to the lieutenant-governor. Mirasty retired from the RCMP as assistant commissioner in 2013.

Following his retirement, he tried to improve Saskatchewan’s education system.

“He co-facilitated meaningful dialogue and navigated difficult subjects with students, parents, and educators,” read a media release. “The valuable perspectives shared during this dialogue informed the development of a province-wide education strategy.”

Mirasty served on Saskatchewan’s Advisory Group on Poverty Reduction and recently was appointed to the board of the McDowell Foundation, which seeks to improve the K-12 education system.

Mirasty, whose first language is Cree, lives in La Ronge.

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