Meet Taiwanese musician Suana Emuy Cilangasay. 

Suana never knew he was of Indigenous Taiwanese descent, only discovering his parents were members of the Amis and Sakizaya people at age 14. Having grown up in the city, Suana embarked on a journey to reconnect with his lost cultural roots, using his music to travel through a path of his family memories and Indigenous history. Using music as a way to document his feelings and thoughts, Suana helped to found the Creating Music Orchestra (CMO), a group of music lovers from diverse backgrounds who share one goal: to perform in the Amis language! Through music, Suana began his long-lasting exploration of his identity, family, people, and Taiwanese society, building dialogue between Taiwanese society and the Amis people and culture. 

This year, TAIWANfest invites Suana to join Canadian musicians from a variety of ethnic backgrounds and musical styles. Music has accompanied these artists through every moment of life, through journeys of self-reflection and cultural identity. What will come next? Will the blending of their creativity bring music that stirs surprises or sadness, reflection or realization?