(Ottawa, ON) –Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde welcomes Lieutenant Governor Russell Mirasty who was appointed as the representative of the Crown in Saskatchewan by Prime Minister Trudeau today.
“I offer congratulations to His Honour Russell Mirasty and welcome him as the Crown’s representative in my home region of Saskatchewan,” said AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde. “I’ve said many times we need more First Nations people in positions of authority and honour. First Nations have a long-standing and unique relationship with the Crown, as embraced in our Treaties. We know Mr. Mirasty will bring a unique perspective to his new role, and we know he will serve all the people of Saskatchewan. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position of Lieutenant Governor and is a positive example of the success that everyone can aspire to.”
Mr. Mirasty, whose first language is Cree, is a member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band. He served a 36-year career in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in various roles across the country, including as Director General of National Aboriginal Policing Services and as Commanding Officer of “F” Division (Saskatchewan). He was the first Indigenous person to command a division of the national police force. In his retirement, Mr. Mirasty worked to improve the education system in Saskatchewan, serving 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 awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in 2017.
Lieutenant Governors are the personal representatives of Her Majesty The Queen of Canada in their respective provinces.
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Updates.
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For more information, please contact:
Jenna Young Castro
Senior Communications Advisor
613-241-6789 ext 201
613-314-8157 (cell)
[email protected]
Monica Poirier
Bilingual Communications Officer
613-241-6789 ext. 382
613-292-0857
[email protected]