Russell Mirasty
Russell Mirasty was the 23rd lieutenant governor of Saskatchewan from 2019 to 2025. He was appointed by Governor General Julie Payette, on the constitutional advice of the prime minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, on July 17, 2019. Mirasty was sworn in on July 18, filling the vacancy in the position left when W. Thomas Molloy died in office on July 2.
Mirasty's term as lieutenant governor came to an official end on January 31, 2025, with the installation of his successor, Bernadette McIntyre.
As lieutenant governor, Mirasty was the viceregal representative of Charles III of Canada in Saskatchewan. He was the first Indigenous person appointed to this office.
Personal life
Mirasty is a member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band. His first language is Cree. His appointment was strongly welcomed by Indigenous leaders in Saskatchewan.He and his wife Donna have two children. At the time of his appointment, he and his wife lived in La Ronge.
RCMP career
Mirasty was a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for thirty-six years, from 1976 to 2013. He was one of only two Indigenous cadets in his troop at RCMP Academy, Depot Division. Following graduation, he served in seven of Canada's ten provinces. He also did a work exchange with the Northern Territory Police in Australia. Mirasty was a volunteer aide-de-camp to previous lieutenant governors of Saskatchewan. He was appointed assistant commissioner and commanding officer, "F" Division in 2010, the first Indigenous RCMP officer to command a division.After retiring from the RCMP, Mirasty volunteered with a number of community service organizations. He particularly focused on working with Saskatchewan's education system. In 2017, Mirasty was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.
Honours
Russell Mirasty's full medal entitlement is as follows.| Ribbon | Description | Notes |
| Order of St John |
| |
| Saskatchewan Order of Merit | ||
| Meritorious Service Medal | ||
| Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal | ||
| Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal | ||
| Royal Canadian Mounted Police Long Service Medal | ||
| Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal | ||
| King Charles III Coronation Medal |