This is often asked question can be answered in a number of ways.  The simple answer is that it is a term used to refer to older members of a society and often, though not necessarily, used as a term of respect. Most cultures world-wide have a similar term used to designate mature individuals.  For Suzuki Elders it has come to hold some additional associations. 

There is a historical association with the role that “elders” play in the indigenous cultures of the Pacific Northwest. In the 1990s indigenous elders played a conspicuous role in efforts to preserve old growth forests in Haida Gwaii and Clayoquot Sound.  David Suzuki, Miles Richardson and Jim Fulton believed a similar role might serve the David Suzuki Foundation and a small group of Suzuki Elders formed in the late 1990s to review DSF policies and projects.  It devolved into a monthly discussion group. 

A decade later, inspired by the new DSF Executive Director, Peter Robinson, the “elders” were revisioned into a broader, more activist group that held public forums and educational workshops on areas of interest to the environmental movement.  The idea was that “elders” had wisdom and resources to devote to the range of interests sponsored by the Suzuki Foundation. These included old growth forest protection, sustainable seafoods, endangered species, environmental degradation and climate change. 

The Suzuki Elders worked with the DSF in some areas but also worked independently in areas of their own choosing such as pipeline protests, alternate energy sources, reconciliation with 1^st nations and developing intergenerational contacts.  During summer retreats strategic plans were developed, terms of reference clarified and committee structures elaborated. Membership in the Elders Association climbed to about 100 and the Elders Council grew to about a dozen who met monthly to review and encourage the activities of committees.

Then Covid hit.  Zoom sessions became the norm which had the advantage of including people online from Ontario and the Maritimes but had the disadvantage of inhibiting the comradery and informality of face-to-face sessions.  As the worst fears of Covid dispersed, we were left with the embers of a fire.  Our September 2023 retreat reminded us of the five core concerns of the elders.

One – We explore the critical role of policy and politics in the protection and preservation of the natural world. 

Two – We are developing the intergenerational role of elders with younger people to observe, encourage and advise in areas of mutual interest with an eye to the welfare seven generations.

Three – We are developing reconciliation and alliances with indigenous cultures to appreciate their traditional wisdom and identify our sense of place among “all our relations.”

Four – We engage with and encourage other older people and community groups to address environmental issues as a movement toward a better world.

Five – We reflect on our collective experience to identify the deeper threads of philosophy and spirituality that underpin the meaning of our activities.  Concepts of mindfulness, maturity, generativity and wisdom do not come naturally with age but are associated with eldership in ways that are both personal and cultural. 

Suzuki Elders recognize the place of communication, comradery and community in the pursuit of our broader goals of a healthy, safe and sustainable world for the next seven generations.  We often work better together sharing our talents and resources than we might individually while also recognizing that we are a diverse group of individuals each with unique gifts and experiences.  We are resilient in the face of obstacles, courageous and determined in the pursuit of our goals, humble and gracious in our achievements and grateful for the resources available to us. 

We still have good work to do.  Join us.

By Robert Worcester