Sudbury Community Plans Tribute to Jane Goodall’s Legacy

The Sudbury community is taking steps to honour the legacy of renowned conservationist Jane Goodall, who passed away on October 1, 2023, at the age of 91. A group of local advocates, led by John Gunn, a professor emeritus from Laurentian University, is exploring various ways to commemorate Goodall’s significant impact on the region and her longstanding relationship with Sudbury.

Gunn reflected on his friendship with Goodall, recalling, “She always ended her messages to me with the word love.” Goodall’s groundbreaking work with wild chimpanzees in East Africa, especially her influential article in National Geographic in 1963, established her as a global icon in conservation. Her contributions to environmental awareness continue to resonate, prompting the group to consider how to celebrate the role she played in their city’s transformation.

Gathering at Eddie’s Restaurant on Regent Street, Gunn and fellow members, including city councillor Deb McIntosh, are brainstorming ideas. “We are retired and have time on our hands to think about what we could do to mark Jane’s impact,” he said, noting their ambition to create a bronze sculpture as a bold tribute. They aim to capture Goodall’s spirit and encourage the community to reflect on its environmental journey.

A significant focus of the discussions involves the transformation of Sudbury from a barren landscape to the lush, green environment it is today, a movement known locally as “regreening.” Thousands of residents have played a role in this restoration effort, which Goodall acknowledged during her visits. In a conversation with acclaimed author Margaret Atwood, she remembered Sudbury in the 1940s as “like the moon,” devastated by logging and pollution.

In her words, “They just decided that they did not want to live without nature, any nature. And they set about planting a forest.” This collective effort led to the planting of millions of trees and the revitalization of local ecosystems. Gunn emphasized the importance of recognizing Goodall’s influence, stating, “We have to give Jane credit for what you see in her films and messages as the UN Messenger for Peace.”

The group has identified four potential locations for memorials that reflect Goodall’s legacy. The first site is at Laurentian University, where Goodall delivered a lecture in November 1996. The second location, near Coniston, illustrates nature’s resilience when given a chance to recover. A third site, Junction Creek, highlights the success of local conservation efforts, where Goodall once released brook trout into what was once one of the most contaminated streams in Northern Ontario.

The most ambitious idea involves a life-sized sculpture of an older Goodall, binoculars in hand, positioned on the limestone steps by Lake Ramsey, in front of Science North. “This must be done in a way that young people will believe in the story and that they won’t lose hope,” Gunn stated. The installation will also feature interactive elements, including audio cues and a replica of Goodall’s beloved stuffed monkey, Mr. H, who accompanied her on many travels.

Gunn has reached out to Atwood, inviting her to contribute a short poem for the dedication of the memorial. The initiative has already garnered support from local businesses, including Testmark Laboratories, Ramakko’s, and Agnico Eagle Mining. As fundraising efforts progress, the group encourages further contributions to ensure the realization of this tribute.

In a time when environmental concerns are paramount, the Sudbury community is determined to celebrate Goodall’s legacy, inspiring future generations to engage with nature and advocate for conservation. Donations and inquiries can be directed to Gunn at [email protected].