David Suzuki’s 90th birthday benefit concert helps protect nature

Press Release

Event brought musicians, celebrities, activists and Indigenous leaders together to bolster the environmental movement Suzuki has championed for decades

VANCOUVER | TRADITIONAL, UNCEDED TERRITORIES OF THE xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (MUSQUEAM), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (SQUAMISH) AND səlilwətaɬ (TSLEIL-WAUTUTH) FIRST NATIONS, — The benefit concert, Legacy: A Celebration of David Suzuki at 90, in concert with Vancity on Friday, May 22 at Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre and streamed live online fulfilled David Suzuki’s birthday wish for people to come together, renew their commitment to nature and unite to protect the planet. Presented in partnership with Vancity, it honoured Suzuki’s milestone 90th birthday and his lifelong dedication to the planet.

“Friends old and new lit up the stage and the hearts of everyone in the room, making it an inspiring evening to remember,” David Suzuki Foundation executive director Pierre Iachetti said. “It was a rallying cry for environmental action and a celebration of all those who have joined Suzuki on his journey.”

A welcome by xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) hosts kicked off the evening. Broadcaster and producer George Stroumboulopoulos was emcee.

David Suzuki, Tara Cullis, Jane Fonda and Al Gore recited the Foundation’s Declaration of Interdependence. These speakers, along with Rick Hansen, Janelle Lapointe, Sophie Lui and Suzanne Simard, punctuated moments between musical performances by Bruce Cockburn, Chantal Kreviazuk, Sarah McLachlan, Danny Michel, William Prince, Sam Roberts Band, Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Tanya Tagaq Trio, Uzume Taiko, Tia Wood and special guest Neil Young.

The event highlighted themes central to David Suzuki’s core philosophy — that all life is interconnected, that what humans do to the planet and all living creatures we do to ourselves, that despite our foresight, we’ve ignored and then crossed critical planetary boundaries and that to leave behind a better world, we must heed the warnings and embrace the leadership of Indigenous Peoples who have lived in reciprocity with and responsibility to nature since time immemorial.

For his decades-long allyship with Indigenous Peoples, Suzuki was honoured on stage by Haida Nation, Gitg’at, Haíɫzaqv (Heiltsuk Nation) and ‘Na̱mg̱is First Nation leaders.

All proceeds from the event will support the David Suzuki Foundation’s work protecting nature, curbing climate change and creating resilient communities. Projects include:

• Protecting and restoring nature through nature-based solutions, Indigenous-led conservation and grassroots rewilding projects.
• Accelerating climate solutions, such as a cross-Canada east-west renewable electricity grid that will create excellent jobs, save households money and slash greenhouse gas emissions.
• Inspiring cities to prioritize energy-efficient homes and buildings, affordable transit and accessible green spaces.

To support David’s legacy, donate to the David Suzuki Foundation: https://dsfdn.org/legacydonation

Special thanks to event partners Vancity, Roots, Nature’s Path, Global BC, Pink Buffalo, Real Estate Foundation of BC, ChopValue, Modo, Vancouver Art Gallery, Maison de Camille.

David Suzuki, grandfather, David Suzuki Foundation co-founder, activist, scientist, broadcaster and author said:

“I’m honoured to get all this attention. But what’s most important to me — now more than ever — is safeguarding Earth. What I’ve always wanted — every day, not just in celebration of my birthday — is for people everywhere to act together on the understanding that we are one with nature.”

Tara Cullis, David Suzuki Foundation co-founder and president said:

“People wonder what keeps David going. His deep love for the living world. His fierce commitment to truth. His profound faith that together people can change the world for the better. Having community come together to protect the planet that gives us everything — this was the greatest gift David could receive on this milestone birthday.”

Pierre Iachetti, David Suzuki Foundation executive director said:

“For decades, David Suzuki has been warning the world about the impacts of climate change, promoting solutions and standing up for Earth. It’s because of David’s unfaltering, inspiring leadership and laser-focused calls to action that the David Suzuki Foundation can bring together such a large, like-minded community. I’m excited to keep building on David’s legacy and help chart bold paths toward ecological resilience and social justice.”

Wellington Holbrook, Vancity president and CEO said:

“Vancity was built on the belief that values matter and that a better future is possible. Partnering with the David Suzuki Foundation is a natural extension of our shared values. As we celebrate David Suzuki’s 90th birthday, we’re proud to partner in a legacy that creates hope, inspires optimism, and calls all of us to act for a sustainable and equitable world.”

– 30 –

Event images and videos: https://dsfdn.org/PressKit

For more information, please contact: dsf@ninepointagency.com.

ILR5