Mirasty promoted to Commanding Officer in Saskatchewan

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Chief Superintendent Russell Mirasty, a proud member of the Lac La Ronge Cree Band in northern Saskatchewan, has been appointed to the rank of Commanding Officer of the “F” Division in Saskatchewan. 

In an article in Maclean’s magazine, Mirasty remembers being one of only two First Nations in his troop at Depot Division, when he joined the RCMP in 1976.

“We were certainly a minority, but it was not really an issue quite frankly. Everybody knew who we were. It’s so busy, it’s so demanding. I think the people that are in training don’t have time to think about anything, but getting through the days,” he said.

Since he joined the RCMP in 1976, Mirasty has served in six divisions across Canada in various duties including detachment policing, highway patrol, police dog services and divisional Aboriginal policing. During his time with divisional Aboriginal policing, Mirasty worked in Saskatchewan and was then posted to Prince Albert where he became the Operations Officer for the North District.

Later, he would accept a posting in Prince Edward Island as a Criminal Operations Officer.

After a short leave from the RCMP, Mirasty re-entered the force as the North District Commander again in Prince Albert. In this position, he was responsible for overseeing 38 detachments with over 500 members and employees.
Since 2009, Mirasty has been serving as the Director General of National Aboriginal Policing at the headquarters in Ottawa.

The appointment offers Chief Superintendent Mirasty the opportunity to come home to Saskatchewan, where he maintains a strong relationship with his home community and is fluent in the Cree language says Mirasty’s colleague RCMP Commissioner William Elliot.

Chief Superintendent Mirasty is a role model to his community and to Aboriginal people and communities throughout the country. Currently, more young Aboriginal people have found policing to be a viable profession and with this current appointment of Mirasty, it paves the way to continued success for Aboriginal people within the RCMP.

Mirasty stated in the Macleans interview that he has humbly learned to accept being considered a role model for Aboriginal people. As well, he is proud of the RCMP for the advances the force has made in recruiting more Aboriginal officers.

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) also recognizes Chief Superintendent Mirasty’s appointment and the impact this has on Aboriginal people.

“This appointment means so much for First Nation people from Saskatchewan that one of their own has been rewarded for his hard work, dedication and commitment to law and order,” said FSIN Chief Guy Lonechild. “This is another example of how First Nation people are becoming an integral part of Saskatchewan, making valuable contributions at all levels of society.”

Also issuing a statement of congratulations was Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo.

“On behalf of the AFN and First Nations people everywhere, I want to congratulate Assistant Commissioner Mirasty on his new position and wish him great success with his new responsibilities. This position requires strong leadership and dedication and these are qualities Assistant Commissioner Mirasty has demonstrated throughout his career that spans more than three decades on the force. His work in Aboriginal Policing has clearly paved the way for this important role,” Chief Atleo said.

In mid-January, Mirasty will travel to Ottawa for a two-week orientation for his new position. He will officially return to Saskatchewan to take on this role permanently sometime in early spring.