REGINA — A new official portrait has been added to the official portraits located in the legislature’s Qu’Appelle Gallery.
The portrait of former lieutenant-governor Russ Mirasty was unveiled Wednesday at a ceremony in the rotunda of the legislature.
Mirasty was Saskatchewan’s 23rd lieutenant-governor and served from 2019 until Jan. 31, 2025. His successor, Lieutenant Governor Bernadette McIntyre, was on hand for the unveiling ceremony.
The portrait was done by Saskatchewan artist Juan Martinez. In that portrait, Mirasty is shown wearing the vice-regal badge, while to the side are a pair of moccasins that were the ones Mirasty wore when he was installed in 2019.
It was a nod to Mirasty being the first Indigenous lieutenant-governor in the province’s history, as a member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band.
In speaking to reporters, Martinez said the “most challenging part is really coming up with a composition that I'm happy with, that the sitter is happy with, and it won't look out of place in whatever hall it's going to be in.”
“It can't be too outrageous. It has to be pretty conservative. It's a challenge to get something that's unique and at the same time traditional. At least for me, I like it that way.”
Mirasty was impressed with what Martinez came up with.
“Well, you know, I saw it near completion because that was part of the process,” said Mirasty. “And I actually gasped out loud because I thought I was looking in the mirror. It was just unbelievable. Juan did an amazing job of capturing me, I guess is the best way to put it.”
The former lieutenant-governor admits that despite having a public role, he isn’t used to having portraits made of himself.
“It's a bit overwhelming,” he said. “In fact, at times when I think about it, I'm a bit uncomfortable with having this portrait in such a public place. But as we've talked through it and I've talked to my family, I've learned to appreciate that it represents more than just me. And I guess that's the message that I was trying to portray … and it is much more than me. But having said that, it's a pretty nice portrait.”
The day at the legislature was an important one for Mirasty and his wife Donna, and also for the many dignitaries in attendance at the unveiling who paid tribute to the work of the former lieutenant-governor.
“What a great day for our province and the opportunity for us as Saskatchewan people to really honour Russ and Donna Mirasty for their service, not only as lieutenant-governor in the province, but for a lifelong service to the people of Saskatchewan and the people of Canada,” said Premier Scott Moe to reporters.
“I think Russ, you know, really embodies giving back to one's community through his careers … throughout his life and through his time as a five or maybe six years of service as lieutenant-governor for the province of Saskatchewan. He was, you know, I think it's important for us to note, he was the first Indigenous lieutenant-governor in our province … he brought all of that culture to his service as representing the Queen and then the King within the province of Saskatchewan and across the nation. So a great honour, I know, for the Mirasty family, but a great honour for us as Saskatchewan residents to have his portrait join so many others in the Speaker's gallery here in place.”
“Well, it is obviously very meaningful," said Mirasty.
"It's really, as I said in my remarks, a culmination of time in office that we thoroughly enjoyed. And just brings back memories, a lot of memories about the duties that we performed, the communities that we visited, the people that we met. Just an incredible opportunity and privilege to serve the people of Saskatchewan.
“And you know, it's been about a year and a half since I left office and so you kind of have time to not forget but kind of put it aside. But certainly today brings back all of those good memories.”
As for the impact he hoped he had in office, Mirasty pointed to “just that belief of the possibilities that exist in this province, in this world, for people, regardless of where you come from. And really just to grab onto those opportunities and believe in yourself and you will achieve what you set out to do.”
