2022 Livestreams

Russ Mirasty was born and raised in La Ronge, Saskatchewan and is a member of the Lac La  Ronge Indian Band. His first language is Woodland Cree. His grandparents led a traditional  life, fishing, hunting and trapping. His mother modelled a strong work ethic, and from her and  his grandparents, he learned to value a connection to the land, and the importance of hospitality  and community service.  

Mr. Mirasty joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in 1976, and was one of only  two Indigenous cadets in his troop. He served in various roles across the country, including as  Director General of National Aboriginal Policing Services and as Commanding Officer of “F”  Division (Saskatchewan). 

Over his 36-year career, Mr. Mirasty was posted to seven provinces, performed duties in every  province and territory, and participated in an exchange with the Northern Territory Police  Service in Australia. He retired from the RCMP as Assistant Commissioner in 2013. Following his retirement, Mr. Mirasty continued to devote himself to the residents of  Saskatchewan by helping lead the Student First Engagement process. The valuable perspectives  shared during the process informed the development of a province-wide education strategy. Mr. Mirasty served as a member of the League of Educational Administrators, Directors and  Superintendents, and as a board member on the Community Safety Knowledge Alliance. He was  appointed to Saskatchewan’s Advisory Group on Poverty Reduction, and served on the board of 

the McDowell Foundation, which supports research, inquiry, and sharing of information for the  K to 12 education system. 

In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Mr. Mirasty received both the Queen’s Golden  Jubilee and Diamond Jubilee Medals, as well as the Meritorious Service Medal. His Honour leads a very active lifestyle and regularly participates in running and cross-country  skiing marathon events. He and his wife, Donna Mirasty, have a home in La Ronge, and they  have two children and two grandchildren.

Elders Larry Oakes and Dale Mosquito

Topic: The History of Nekaneet First Nation
Date: May 11, 2022

Larry Oakes - is from Nekaneet First Nation. He is currently working with the Okimaw Ohci Healing Lodge in a traditional medicines project. Previous to that he was employed by the Regina Qu Appelle Health Region (now Sask Health Authority) as an Oskapewisk / traditional health consultant. He was also involved in a community leadership role.

Dale Mosquito is a family man and avid horseman, an Elder and a passionate advocate of his First Nations community. He’s a 7-term (21 year) Nekaneet band councilor and has run the horse program for residents of the Okimaw Healing Lodge since 2002. He is sought after for his healing workshops, combining cultural teachings and holistic equine therapy. Dale is also one of the key organizers of the Battle of the Little Big Puck, an annual event for charity in maple Creek, now in its 39th, year that celebrates the friendships and differences of the town’s two distinct cultures. Dale and his wife Marie ranch in the Maple Creek area and have three children Shaya, Chansler and Brett and two grandchildren Skyla and Kaid.

Wendy Gervais

Topic: The Path Forward
Date: May 12, 2022

 Wendy Gervais is the elected Regional Representative for Western Region III, Métis Nation- Saskatchewan. Wendy was elected in May 2017 and re-elected for a second term in May 2021. Wendy is the daughter of Arnold (Max) and Loretta Gervais, she was born and raised in Regina along with her six siblings. She is a proud woman whose values are grounded in her Metis roots that stretch from the Red River into Northern Saskatchewan. As a single parent, Wendy has instilled these values in her son, ensuring that not only our Metis culture but as well, our values are passed on.

Wendy is a passionate advocate and educator of Michif history. As the elected leadership representing Western Region III, Wendy has worked tirelessly promoting the advancement of the Métis peoples of Saskatchewan. She has been working with the Métis citizens alongside our partners throughout the Region to revive our communities while educating all about the Michif people and our rich history. It is through this role that she can fulfill her passion and vision of vibrant and thriving Michif communities.

Royce Pettyjohn

Topic: The History of the Métis
Date: May 12, 2022

Royce Pettyjohn is citizen of the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan who lives in Treaty #4 territory at Maple Creek, Saskatchewan where he grew up on a cattle ranch in the Cypress Hills area.  Royce is a former Park Manager at Fort Walsh National Historic Site in the Cypress Hills, a past President of the Museums Association of Saskatchewan, and a past Chair of the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation.  Royce was fortunate to have had a close relationship with his late Grandfather, Willard A. Dumont, who passed on to him many stories of the Métis of the Cypress Hills.  His Grandfather also shared many of these stories in his memoirs, and Royce is pleased to continue to share these stories in celebration of the Métis history here in Southwest Saskatchewan.