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 much of his childhood in a secluded tribal village, where the land provided everything from sustenance to crafted goods. This simple, harmonious way of life created a profound connection to nature and a deep appreciation for the strength of community.
His lineage traces back to the ancient Tengri belief system, a tradition rooted in the shamanic practices of North Asian tribes, still honored in Mongolia today. As a child, Su-Ata was captivated by stories from his elders about nomads traveling along the Silk Road, and he witnessed firsthand how his parents, both healers, served their tribe through ancient healing arts.
However, as he moved to the city to pursue higher education, his connection to these ancestral roots slowly began to fade. The bustling urban environment, while offering opportunities for growth—especially in social work—began to strip away the quiet mindfulness and deep sense of oneness with nature that had shaped his early life. It wasn't long before Su-Ata realized that the fast-paced, mass urban culture was gradually diluting the essence of who he was and severing his intimate connection to the land and his heritage.
Education & Work Experience
Su-Ata’s educational journey is both diverse and impressive. He pursued a Master’s degree in Public Administration and International Relations from the École Nationale d’Administration Publique (National School of Public Administration) in Quebec, Canada. In addition, he pursued independent studies in political science and social work at the University of Regina and Concordia University in Montreal, as well as Interior Design at Cégep de Vieux Montréal. Su-Ata also earned a diploma in Financial Management from the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) in Vancouver. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Information Science and Documentation from the University of Istanbul in Turkey.
Professionally, Su-Ata’s experience spans both the private and public sectors in both the Francophone and Anglophone parts of Canada. His career began in the private sector, where he worked as a personal and business banker at a private bank in Vancouver, British Columbia. He then advanced to the role of an investment advisor. Seeking broader impact, Su-Ata transitioned into the public sector with the Government of Canada, specifically within the Ministry of Employment and Social Development. In this role, he helped citizens navigate their rights to social security benefits under the umbrella of Service Canada. He remained in various roles within the ministry, serving vulnerable and disadvantaged citizens, until his retirement due to health reasons.
In 2018, after a period of six years of reflection in the field of art & music festivals while forming collectives in each tribe simultaneously that creates our collections today, Su-Ata moved to California permanently and founded Collective Journey Art. The creation of the organization was the culmination of nearly eight years of planning and development, while he maintained lifestyle in a Van that he converted into a tiny home on the wheels in 2014 (Santa Cruz, CA) going from one festival to another with his popup shop, which ultimately led to the official launch of the project in February 2018. Through this endeavor, Su-Ata was able to blend his passion for healing, community, and his own life experiences of art and music into a project that has grown to touch many lives.
