David Suzuki's 75th Birthday Gift

As those of you who read our blog regularly know, I am a friend of David Suzuki. In March, we hosted David’s 75th birthday at our home. The Board and CEO of the Suzuki Foundation gave David a small totem pole, carved by one of Canada’s most talented carvers Beau Dick.

At the party, Beau, who is Kwak waka’ wakw, and Chief Bob Joseph Senior conducted a naming ceremony for David. During the ceremony, Chief Bob Joseph spread the eagle down, a gesture of peace.

Beau said the totem pole is carved from a 2000 year old tree. The totem features a bear and an eagle. Beau explained that the bear is a symbol of the protector - the warrior spirit - which David personifies. The eagle, he explained, is a symbol of the role David has played watching over and protecting the environment.

The celebration and presentation of the totem pole was a moving experience for all of us who had come together to honour David. I hope you’ll enjoy watching as much as I did.

- Jim Hoggan