Russell Mirasty facts for kids

Russell Mirasty SOM MSM (born 1956 or 1957) is the 23rd and current lieutenant governor of Saskatchewan. 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.

As lieutenant governor, Mirasty is 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 (RCMP) 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 officer commanding, "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 (K.StJ)	25 July 2020. Knight of Justice. Vice Prior of the Order in the Province of Saskatchewan.
	Saskatchewan Order of Merit (SOM)	2019.
	Meritorious Service Medal (MSM)	9 November 2017. Civil Division.
	Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal	2002. Canadian Version of this Medal.
	Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal	2012. Canadian Version of this Medal.
	Royal Canadian Mounted Police Long Service Medal	With 35 year Bar
	Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal	2022. Saskatchewan Version of this Medal.