Russell Mirasty named Saskatchewan’s lieutenant-governor

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 at Government House. 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.”

“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.”

Brian Hardlotte, the Grand Chief of the Prince Albert Grand Council, said in a statement that he was pleased with Mirasty’s appointment.

“He is a nation builder,” Hardlotte said. “In the hard times with the RCMP and our communities, he was the bridge that helped connect our two worlds and he did it with honour and respect. He will continue that positive building process and serve the people of this province, all Canadians, Indian people and organizations.”

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.

His appointment fills a legislative hole in the province which could have caused problems for the government.