Respected Cree Elder Beyadabnoskum Isaac Masty began his journey to the spirit world on May 28. He spent his final days at the family’s spring camp in Whapmagoostui surrounded by love and laughter.
“He served his community during a foundational and demanding period in which Cree leaders worked to establish institutions and protections that continue to serve our Nation today,” stated the Grand Council of the Crees. “His leadership in those formative years helped lay the groundwork for the self-determination Eeyou Istchee enjoys now.”
Apart from his time as Chief of Whapmagoostui in the 1980s, Masty worked in many fields of community service and guided numerous Cree entities over the years. He was a former regional president of the Cree Trappers’ Association and was the chairperson of the Eeyou Marine Region Impact Review Board since its creation in 2012.
“Isaac was one of the greatest mentors I could have asked for,” commented EMRIRB director Païlin Chua-oon Rinfret. “I often joked with him that he had lived many lives in one lifetime. He had worked so many careers, carried so much knowledge, and could speak thoughtfully about almost anything. But more than anything, he understood people.”
Born in 1952 about 80 km east of Whapmagoostui during the days of nomadic life, Masty studied locally before obtaining a Bachelor of Education. He worked as a teacher and was responsible for budget development as an education administrator, supervising about 30 employees.
Masty is survived by his wife Stella George Masty, who he married September 11, 1972. The couple had five children, 18 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, while also fostering several young people and opening their hearts and home to many more.
“Our dad was a truly humble man and everything he did was done out of love,” said eldest daughter Stella Masty. “He held integrity of his work to the highest regard, always freely giving his knowledge to those who would listen and wanted to learn.”
She said his passion for the Cree language and way of life was always prominent, emphasizing that the Cree land, culture and values couldn’t be separated.
“He was a traditional pipe carrier, sun dancer, and followed both paths, with no judgment,” Stella shared. “Never allowing us to quit but to keep going no matter how hard life was, that better days were ahead. His message of compassion, empathy, perseverance and love lives through all those he impacted.”
Quietly fighting myeloma and prostate cancer for six years, “he did not want to talk about his illness,” Stella noted, adding that her father fought the good fight and passed away peacefully.
“He will be missed but we accept God’s plans for him,” she shared. “We stayed till the end. We noticed that when the kids and grandkids left, his heartbeat was irregular, then when they returned, his heart and breathing regulated. He surely loved his children.”
A trusted mentor to many, Masty played important roles at the Cree Nation Government, Cree Outfitting and Tourism Association, the Cree Health Board’s Nishiiyuu department, and the Hunting, Fishing, Trapping Coordinating Committee.
Masty served on the federal day school board and income security board. His other roles included a stint as court translator in Amos and teaching Sunday school at his local Anglican church, where his father Joseph Masty Sr. served many years as church leader.
In February 1995, his father would die in a house fire, which also claimed the lives of his sister Martha and six-year-old daughter Melanie-Rose.
Whapmagoostui Chief and Council thanked Masty for his lasting impact on the community “that will be remembered for generations to come,” highlighting that “he continued to share his knowledge, wisdom and experience long after his time in leadership.”
The Cree Trappers’ Association honoured its former president (2005-2009) by closing its office on the day of Masty’s passing. The organization stated, “His leadership, dedication and commitment to the land and to Eeyou families helped strengthen the voice of tallymen and land users across the territory.”
In his final years, Masty helped his daughter Stella develop the Men’s Eeyou-Eenou Istchee Regional Association. President Albert St-Pierre said Masty often shared how proud he was to see the group helping Cree men, families and communities.
“He served as an advisor, mentor and source of wisdom during the early stages of our organization,” said St-Pierre. “May we honour his memory by continuing the work of healing, supporting one another, and walking together in a good way.”