Submitted by the QCI Arts Council-David Suzuki has had a long-term relationship with the people and places of Haida Gwaii. He first came to the islands to film an episode of The Nature of Things at Lyell Island and since then people have been running into him at events, at their favourite fishing hole or in the line-up at the grocery store. He's a familiar face, but many haven't had the opportunity to hear him speak about his work and life at a local public event. Now he's coming to the Islands to give two talks, one in Masset and one in Skidegate about the environment and our place in it.One of Dr. Suzuki's consistent messages is: We are creatures of the Earth, utterly dependent on its elements, which are not just external factors, but incorporated into our very essence.In his many and varied writings, Dr. Suzuki explores his relationships with the natural environment, technology, foreign cultures and more. He is the author of 43 books including his latest, The Big Picture, which is a look beyond environmental problems to an examination of the forces that are preventing real change. Along with co-author Dave Robert Taylor, he discusses how to reconcile economy with ecology or why we may need to start eating jellyfish for dinner. He will be reading from some of his most famous books, including The Sacred Balance, Wisdom of the Elders and his recent autobiography at the Green Church in Masset on Oct. 2 starting at 7 pm and at the Haida Heritage Centre at Kaay'Llnagaay on Oct. 4 at 7 pm. Both events are free.Dr. Suzuki's visit is a collaboration between the Queen Charlotte Islands Arts Council and The Sustainable Living Fair (an initiative of the Hecate Energy Institute and Sierra Club), and is being funded by Canada Council. The public readings are being held as a lead-up to the fair which takes place on Oct. 16-18 at the Haida Heritage Centre at Kaay'Llnagaay.