Former Sask. lieutenant governor’s portrait unveiled in Regina

A portrait of Russ Mirasty, Saskatchewan’s first Indigenous Lt.-Gov., was unveiled at the legislature.

An official portrait of Russ Mirasty, Saskatchewan’s former lieutenant governor, was unveiled at the Legislative building on Wednesday.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, Lieutenant Governor Bernadette McIntyre, and other dignitaries joined the event.

“From his career with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to his time as Lieutenant Governor, as well as his many other contributions to public service, Russ Mirasty has served the province of Saskatchewan with distinction,” Moe said.

“A strong advocate for education, Russ Mirasty helped foster new and enriching opportunities for youth across this province and we are grateful for his leadership and many contributions.”

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Mirasty was born and raised in La Ronge and is a member of Lac La Ronge Indian Band.

He is the first Indigenous person to serve as Saskatchewan’s lieutenant governor. Mirasty was appointed to the position in 2019 and served in the role until Jan. 31, 2025.

He initially represented Queen Elizabeth and then King Charles, served 36 years with the RCMP, and retired with the rank of assistant commissioner.

Mirastry said he is humbled and honoured to see the portrait, and is amazed at his journey.

“I do hope that when people look at the portrait, they look at more that just the picture. That they think about who the person is, where they came from, and especially young people, young Indigenous people more specifically, would look at that and say, ‘He’s one of us,’” Mirasty said.

Mirasty’s Indigenous heritage was honoured with a performance by the Buffalo Boys Drum Group from Mother Teresa Middle School in Regina.

During his time as lieutenant governor, Mirasty participated in hundreds of events, led the creation of the Saskatchewan Residential School Memorial in Regina, and presented scholarships for graduate and post-graduate students.

Mirasty’s portrait was completed by Saskatchewan artist Juan Martinez and depicts Mirasty at Government House wearing the Vice-Regal Badge, with a pair of moccasins at his side.

The moccasins depict the same ones Mirasty wore during his installation as lieutenant governor in 2019.

The portrait will hang in the Legislative building’s Qu’Appelle Gallery, and now joins the building’s art collection, which boasts over 200 pieces, including portraits, sculptures, murals, photographs, and busts.

With files from Gareth Dillistone