Dr. David Suzuki’s Legacy: A Celebration at 90

Celebrating Dr. David Suzuki’s 90th birthday on Friday, May 22  was a true privilege and a great pleasure! My husband, Ron Zalko (a longtime friend of Dr. Suzuki) and I attended the birthday benefit concert, presented in partnership with Vancity, which honoured Dr. Suzuki’s milestone birthday and his lifelong dedication to the planet.  Dr. Suzuki is a Canadian legend, scientist, and renowned environmentalist.  But more than anything, he cherishes his role as a father to his five children and a grandfather to his ten grandchildren. It’s an incredible honour to share the same planet with such a great protector of our Mother Earth and a beloved ally of the indigenous peoples of Canada and around the world. Dr. Suzuki is a true gift to humanity — my husband and I just had to pay homage to the gift who keeps giving! 

Photo courtesy of the author. Ron Zalko and wife, Matte Laurel Zalko with Dr. David Suzuki and his wife, Ms. Tara Cullis. Dr. Suzuki has been such a good friend to my husband and a loyal member of our fitness club for over 30 years.

This once-in-a-lifetime evening of music and storytelling honoured one of our time’s most beloved and influential environmental voices. For decades, Dr. David Suzuki has urged people to unite and act with courage and compassion to address the ecological crisis.  The event served as a rallying cry for environmental action, celebrating those who’ve joined Dr. Suzuki on his journey.

The festivities kicked off with a fundraising concert for the public at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, followed by a private dinner for family and close friends at Chambar restaurant. At the birthday concert, the event was hosted by none other than George Stroumboulopoulos, a Canadian media personality, television host, podcaster, and is one of Canada’s most popular broadcasters. He certainly kept everyone feeling upbeat with his hosting! The evening started with a welcome message from the by xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).  

Photo courtesy of the author. Ron Zalko and wife, Matte Laurel Zalko with the 45th Vice President of the United States of America, Al Gore during the after concert private party for friends and family of Dr. Suzuki.

The welcome message was followed by a group of famous friends of Dr. Suzuki who took the stage to share generous praise to the much beloved environmental scientist.  Among them were former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, a climate crusader, and actress and political activist Jane Fonda.  Ms. Fonda, who happens to be younger than Dr. Suzuki by two years, even used an F-bomb while stating, “As you get older, you get braver.”  VP Al Gore and Jane Fonda both read from the Declaration of Interdependence, co-authored by Dr. Suzuki and Tara Cullis, Wade Davis, Raffi, and Guujaaw in 1992. Other notable speakers of the evening were Rick Hansen, Sophie Lui, Janelle Lapointe, and Suzanne Simard.  Throughout the concert which was also a fundraiser, numerous First Nations leaders discussed the progress they’ve made in safeguarding their territories.  Onstage, Dr. Suzuki was honoured by leaders of the Haida Nation, Gitga’at, Haíɫzaqv (Heiltsuk Nation), and ’Na̱mg̱is First Nations for his decades-long allyship with Indigenous Peoples. Some even referred to Dr. Suzuki and his partner, Tara Cullis, as family, praising their respectful collaboration.

The entertainment was provided by Canadian musicians performing soulful songs that tugged at the heart! Among the acclaimed performers were Tia Wood, Bruce Cockburn, Chantal Kreviazuk, Sarah McLachlan, Danny Michel, William Prince, Sam Roberts, Tanya Tagaq, Uzume Taiko, Snotty Nose Rez Kids, and special guest, Neil Young. My husband and I particularly enjoyed Neil Young’s performance, especially his classic “Heart of Gold.”  Tanya Tagaq, an Inuk (Inuit) artist and avant-garde throat singer originally from Cambridge Bay (Iqaluktuutiaq) in Nunavut, delivered a truly stellar performance.  Her unique and memorable performance showcased her indigenous roots and talents.  We also enjoyed the Snotty Nose Rez Kids’ fierce hip-hop music. 

Photo of two-time Academy Award-winning actor, producer, author, activist and fitness guru, Ms. Jane Fonda during the fundraising concert.

On a more personal note, my husband, Ron Zalko was particularly thrilled to see Jane Fonda again, after decades, recalling their first meeting in the 80’s. Here’s a bit of backstory: My husband first introduced Jane Fonda to Vancouver in 1982, when she taught an aerobic class at the Vancouver Convention Centre.  After filming On Golden Pond, she called my husband from Seattle and proposed a joint venture to promote their businesses—Jane Fonda’s aerobic videos and my husband’s fitness club.  She suggested my husband pay for all the expenses.  At 32, and somewhat naively, my husband asked, “How will I get my money back?” Ms. Fonda assured him, “Oh, you will, and you’ll earn more, trust me!”  Together, they organized a successful one-hour live aerobic class at the convention, with 600 attendees.  Suffice to say, it was a great business move! 

Photo courtesy of the author. Dr. David Suzuki with wife, Tara Cullis.

But what truly stuck in our minds and hearts during Dr. Suzuki’s fundraising event were these precious words of Dr. Suzuki’s better half, Tara Cullis, “So David is a scientist at heart” who “believed the public must have the chance to get excited, to understand the issues, to support basic science and be equipped to push politicians to make good decisions.”

“The important thing to know is, he did not do this by himself!” she proclaimed with a smile. “He’s become a sort of figurehead that Canadians have nailed to the prow, but we, all of us, built that boat, and we’re rowing it.” 

Photo via Bob Kronbauer.

And of course, I just have to share this message   from Dr. Suzuki, which is really a call to action at his age of 90, “How can any creature who treats air, water, soil and the rest of life in thoughtless and destructive ways that threaten their own existence claim to be intelligent? 

We have become too smart for our own survival because we have such faith in our intellect and the institutions we have created. To transform the legal, economic and political systems, we have to begin with the understanding that Nature is the foundation of our lives and well-being. 

Then science must be elevated — out of the babble of social media — as the most credible source of information about the state of the planet and principles underlying ecological sustainability. 

And the primary force motivating the demand for change must be not fear but love. 

Love for our children and grandchildren. Love of community.

And love of the planet from which we are created.”