Russell Mirasty will be the 23rd Lieutenant Governor in the history of Saskatchewan. The announcement was made this morning.

Mirasty will be sworn into the position Thursday, allowing for an immediate start of his duties. There will be a formal installation ceremony at a later date at the Legislative Building.

Mirasty is originally from La Ronge and is a member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band. He will be the province’s first indigenous Lieutenant Governor.

“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,” said Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe in a written release.

“Known as a relationship-builder, Mr. Mirasty is an outstanding leader who paved the way for Indigenous peoples in the national police force,” stated Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who announced the appointment of Mirasty. “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.”

Mirasty joined the RCMP in 1976. He served in a variety of roles, and at the time of his retirement in 2013, he was the Commanding Officer of ’F’ Division (Saskatchewan) with the rank of Assistant Commissioner. He was the first First Nations person to be appointed as the head of the RCMP for a province.

Mirasty replaces the Honourable W. Thomas Molloy, who passed away on July 2nd after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

The Lieutenant Governor serves as the representative of Queen Elizabeth II in Saskatchewan. The appointment is for at least five years and is made by the Governor-General, Julie Payette, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.