The first person of First Nations ancestry to lead an RCMP division is one of two advisors who will head up the province’s Student First initiative.

Former Assistant Commissioner Russ Mirasty recently retired from the RCMP.

Mirasty and Saskatoon Public Schools superintendent Patricia Prowse will lead a province-wide consultation process to ask students, teachers, parents and the broader education sector how to improve Saskatchewan’s education system.

Mirasty says he has often wondered why not everyone has achieved success within the education system — adding he appreciates its role in contributing to the success of individuals and communities.

The province says regional advisory groups will support the work of the Student First advisors, and will include a student, teacher, parent and sector representative.

According to the government, the advisors will begin working with regional advisory groups immediately to coordinate the consultation process and start gathering feedback from the public.

Mirasty is a member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band.