Photo of: Mrs. Mirasty and Russell Mirasty holding his grandson
Photo by: Danielle Dufour
BY: Danielle Dufour
At the legislative building on June 24th dignitaries and guests attended the portrait unveiling of former Lieutenant Governor Russell Mirasty, Saskatchewan’s 23rd Lieutenant Governor.
“I am overwhelmed,” said Mirasty. “It’s just all the memories coming back and thinking about our travels and meeting with people and is really the culmination of that to see the portrait.”
Mirasty’s family also attended the event, including his young grandson.
“It makes it real. When he gets old enough to appreciate our journey, first my career, but then being Lieutenant Governor, he can think, yeah I can do that,” said Mirasty. “I hope other Indigenous youth and children think the same way as well.”
The portrait, completed by Saskatchewan artist Juan Martinez, will be displayed alongside those of former Saskatchewan Lieutenant Governors in the Qu’Appelle Gallery of the Saskatchewan Legislature Building.
“He’s fantastic, so it’s really my honour,” said Martinez. “I like being part of the legacy of these important offices.”
It took Martinez a year to complete the portrait from the initial meeting with Mirasty to the final brush stroke.
“The actual painting time doesn’t start until you’ve got lots of preparatory work done and studies and consultations,” said Martinez.
The audience was treated to a special performance by The Buffalo Boys, a traditional drum group from Mother Teresa Middle School in Regina.
Russell Mirasty was the first Indigenous person appointed to serve as lieutenant governor in Saskatchewan representing Charles III from 2019 to 2025.
Born and raised in La Ronge Saskatchewan, and a member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, Mirasty spoke Woodland Cree.
He began a life of service when he joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in 1976 where he served for 36 years.
“There’s tremendous possibilities, just seek them out,” said Mirasty as a message for youth today. “Be strong, believe in yourself and accept the help that comes along to help you in your journey, to achieve your goals.”