Greetings community! My given name is Suat Ongun. Ongun means a totem that comes into ceremonial circles in ancient shamanic beliefs mainly from North Asian Tengri practices. Tengri is one of the most ancient monotheistic belief system and it used to be world's only religion, for a matter of fact, it is still in practice in today’s Mongolia. Suat means a fountain of happiness in the same cultural roots.Though I go by Su-Ata which means “Water Ancestors” also in my Tengri Shamanic heritage.
Personal Details
Born into the Alevi tribe on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, Su-Ata spent half of his childhood in a secluded tribal village where sustenance, crafted goods, and other necessities were intimately tied to the land. This simple way of life fostered a deep bond with nature and the significance of community.
His heritage traces back to the Tengri belief system, a tradition of shamanic tribes indigenous to North Asia and still present in Mongolia today. Su-Ata grew up listening to tales from his elders about nomads traversing the Silk Road, while also observing his parents practice ancient healing arts to serve their tribe. However, as he moved to the city for education, the connection to his ancestral roots began to wane. Though the vibrant urban environment offered educational and career opportunities, particularly in social work, it gradually eroded the quiet mindfulness that had characterized his tribal life. Over time, Su-Ata realized that the mass urban culture was diluting his essential bond with nature thus his roots.
Education & Work Experience
His education includes a master 's degree in Public Administration and International Relations, at Ecole Nationale d’Administration Publique (National School of Public Administration) in Quebec, Canada.
- He pursued independent studies in the field of political science combined with social work at University of Regina, SW and Concordia University of Montreal, QC.
- Interior Design at Cegep de Vieux Montéal, QC Canada.
- He also completed a diploma program in Financial Management at British Columbia Institute of Technology BCIT) in Vancouver, BC.
- His first bachelor degree was in the Science of information and Documentation at the University of Istanbul, in Turkey.
His work experience consisted of both private and public sector work in both Francophone and Anglophone part of Canada before he formed Collective Journey Art in the state of California in 2018 officially.
His work experience in private sector was at a private bank in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada as personal and business banker before he became an investment advisor. He then moved into the federal public service with the Government of Canada, at the ministry of Employment and Social Development Canada. His role was to assist citizens with their rights to social security benefits under umbrella of Service Canada. He stayed in various roles there, serving all disadvantaged citizens until he retired due to his disability and moved to California to form and operate the current project, Collective Journey. It took him nearly 3 years of preparations and developments to finally form this organization officially in February 2018 from the scratch.
