When Suana·Emuy·Cilangasay came to perform in Canada in 2019, he was deeply moved by the similarities between the histories of Indigenous peoples in Taiwan and in Canada, particularly their rapidly disappearing cultures and languages. Since then, his musical journey has taken on a mission to inspire other young Indigenous musicians in joining him to show the world, through music, what it means to be Indigenous.

The four members of Kanatal grew up in the city with little exposure to their Indigenous heritage. Through music, language, and story, they are rediscovering their roots and connecting with the world. 

Kanatal [ga-na-DAL] means “island” in the Amis language; for the band, it refers to the island of Taiwan that they call home. From self-identity to ethnic integrity, music allows them to break through the constraints of language, race, and geography. The concept of Kanatal is not just limited to the “island”—it encompasses all human beings.