Mr. Russell Mirasty joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in 1976, and was one of only two Indigenous cadets in his troop at Depot Division. He served in various roles across the country, including as Director General of National Aboriginal Policing Services and as Commanding Officer of “F” Division (Saskatchewan).

Over his 36-year career, Mr. Mirasty was posted to seven provinces, performed duties in every other province and territory, and participated in an exchange with the Northern Territory Police Service in Australia. While posted in Saskatchewan, he volunteered his time as an Aide de Camp to the province’s Lieutenant Governor. Mr. Mirasty retired from the RCMP as Assistant Commissioner in 2013.

Following his retirement, Mr. Mirasty continued to devote himself to the residents of Saskatchewan by helping lead a province-wide engagement process on how to improve the education system. He co-facilitated meaningful dialogue and navigated difficult subjects with students, parents, and educators. The valuable perspectives shared during this dialogue informed the development of a province-wide education strategy.

Mr. Mirasty also served as a member of the League of Educational Administrators, Directors and Superintendents, and as a board member on the Community Safety Knowledge Alliance. He was also appointed to Saskatchewan’s Advisory Group on Poverty Reduction. He was recently appointed to the board of the McDowell Foundation, which supports research, inquiry, and sharing of information for the K-12 education system.

In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in 2017.

Mr. Mirasty, whose first language is Cree, is a member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band. He resides in La Ronge, Saskatchewan, with his wife Donna. They have two children and two grandchildren.