Bertha Skye, Elder-in-Residence and McMaster University Honorary Degree recipient, passed peacefully while surrounded by her loving family on July 18, 2024. She was 92.
Skye was a Cree Elder from Saskatchewan. At McMaster, she was known for generously sharing her knowledge with students through her stories and teaching, becoming a beloved mentor and friend to many. The university lowered its flags to half-mast in her honour.
“Bertha’s wisdom, kindness, and commitment to students and to her heritage have made a lasting impact on our university community,” said David Farrar, president and vice-chancellor. “Her legacy of nurturing and educating the next generation will be cherished and remembered.”
Skye’s presence was a source of comfort and strength for those who knew her, and her contributions to the Indigenous Studies Program, Indigenous Student Services, and the Indigenous Students Health Sciences Office have helped shaped the continued growth and success of the Indigenous community at McMaster.
“Bertha embodied the spirit of resilience, cultural pride and excellence that continues to inspire our students, faculty and staff,” said Susan Tighe, provost and vice-president (Academic). “Her loss is deeply felt, but her impact will endure through the lives she touched.”
Skye receiving her honorary degree during a Fall 2022 convocation ceremony
Skye was also known for taking Haudenosaunee cooking to the world.
She began her culinary career as a cook for Prince Albert Residential Schools at the age of 17, going on to work at three other residential schools over the following decade. In 1958 she married her husband, Hubert Skye, and moved to his home community of Six Nations of the Grand River.
“Bertha was a dear friend and mentor to many,” said Dawn Martin-Hill, professor in Indigenous Studies and co-chair of the Indigenous Education Council at McMaster. “Her dedication to preserving Haudenosaunee culinary traditions has enriched our lives and strengthened our understanding of Indigenous heritage.”
“[Skye’s] loss is deeply felt, but her impact will endure through the lives she touched,” says Susan Tighe, provost and vice-president (Academic).In 1992, Skye was selected to compete in the World Culinary Olympics held in Frankfurt, Germany, as a part of the Canadian Native Haute Cuisine Team. She competed against thousands of chefs from around the world, using traditional Haudenosaunee ingredients and recipes, helping the team bring home 11 medals – seven of them gold.
“Bertha’s contributions to the Social Sciences at McMaster were profound,” said Jeremiah Hurley, dean, Faculty of Social Sciences. “Her work helped to bridge the gap between traditional Indigenous knowledge and Western academic inquiry, fostering a richer understanding of Indigenous cultures within our Faculty.”