Russell Mirasty will receive the honourary Doctor of Laws degree on June 11. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

accomplishment

Mirasty to receive honourary degree from the U of R

May 31, 2025 | 8:00 AM

Lac La Ronge Indian Band member and former Saskatchewan Lt.-Gov. Russell Mirasty has been selected to receive an honourary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Regina.

“It was totally unexpected,” he said.

“I received a call from the chancellor and the president asking me if I would be OK with it, and I gave it some thought and said ‘it would be a great honour to receive that.’”

A statement released by the U of R notes Mirasty has dedicated his life to public service, leadership, and his community.

Before former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau named Mirasty as the lieutenant governor in July 2019, he spent a 36-year career with the RCMP. He served in seven provinces, gaining broad experience in policing, community relations, and management.

National Indigenous Peoples Day

National Indigenous Peoples Day successful despite quick venue swap

21h ago

LOCAL LEGACY

'An unsung hero': Battleford ball diamond renamed O'Driscoll Field in honour of beloved umpire

Jun 21, 2025

No photo provided

RCMP looking for missing woman in La Ronge

Jun 21, 2025

When Mirasty joined the RCMP in 1976, he was one of only two Indigenous cadets at the time. As years passed, he rose through the ranks to become assistant commissioner.

“As lieutenant governor, he served as the Queen’s, then King’s representative in Saskatchewan, fulfilling constitutional and ceremonial duties with dignity and compassion,” the statement from the U of R reads.

“His term was widely praised for its accessibility, humility, and genuine connection with people across Saskatchewan. He focused on themes of reconciliation, youth empowerment, and literacy, often emphasizing the importance of education and cultural pride.”

Mirasty’s post-secondary education includes one year at the University of Saskatchewan taking arts and sciences classes. In addition, he has taken individual classes throughout the years, as well as completed studies and training at the RCMP Academy in Regina.

After retirement from policing, he co-led a province-wide Student First Engagement process on behalf of the Ministry of Education.

Since leaving his role as the lieutenant governor in January, Mirasty has been adjusting to a normal life.

“[I’m] just getting used to a different pace and settling back into La Ronge and enjoying this area for what it has,” he said.

Mirasty will receive the honourary degree during a ceremony at the U of R on June 11.

—

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com