On June 30th, the eve of Canada’s 150th birthday, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Toronto (Toronto TECO) hosted its annual gala party “Taiwan Night” at its Culture Centre. Around four hundred guests, including representatives of three levels of Canadian governments, members of local Taiwanese community, Canadian academics and police officers, attended the event.
With the unique dance performance of Electric-Techno Neon Gods, the entertainment-packed party opened in festive atmosphere. Also in performance was a Taiwanese indigenous dance “Standing On the Mountain Top” presented by the “Gorgeous Black Cat Dance Group,” which was composed of members from the Toronto Chapter of North American Taiwanese Women’s Association. The highlights of the gala party were the performances given by Taiwan’s indigenous music group “Lan Shin Band” and a group of Canadian indigenous talents. They together provided the party with a fantastic show of diverse cultures and music. In addition to the music entertainment, the guests also enjoyed delicious Taiwanese cuisines.
Founded in 2005, “Lan Shin Band” is composed of musicians from several tribes of Taiwanese indigenous peoples, including Ami, Atayal, Rukai and Paiwan. With its music revolving around tribal culture and customs, this indigenous music group has dedicated itself to connecting with and passing on the indigenous heritages. On their trip to Toronto, they would also join celebrations of Canadia’s 150th birthday and perform at Scarborough Civic Centre on July 1 and at Nathan Phillips Square on July 3.
Indigenous musicians from five Canadian indigenous nations, including Onondaga、Tuscarora、Oneida、Mohawk and Canadian Algonquian also showcased their unique style of singing, dancing and drumming, giving the audience a taste of diverse culture and multi-ethnicity and enriching the party.
In her welcome remarks, Director General of Toronto TECO Catherine Y. M. Hsu expressed that close contacts and frequent exchanges have long existed between the indigenous peoples of Taiwan and Canada. As Canada celebrates its 150th birthday this year, Toronto TECO decided to host Taiwan Night on the eve of Canada Day and invited music groups from Taiwanese and Canadian indigenous peoples to jointly celebrate the diverse and multiple cultures both countries boast of and to further promote cultural exchanges between Taiwanese and Canadian indigenous communities.
DG Hsu joins distinguished guests in a group photo during Taiwan Night celebration.
Music talents from Taiwanese and Canadian indigenous peoples take part in the Taiwan Night gala party to celebrate both countries’ diverse and multiple cultures.
The unique dance performance of Electric-Techno Neon Gods opens the Taiwan Night gala party.
Taiwan’s indigenous music group “Lan Shin Band” performs in the Taiwan Night gala party.
Musical talents from Canadian indigenous peoples showcase their unique style of singing, dancing and drumming during Taiwan Night celebration.
The “Gorgeous Black Cat Dance Group,” composed of members from local Taiwanese community, presents a Taiwanese indigenous dance “Standing on the Mountain Top” during the Taiwan Night party.
Some four hundred guests, including representatives of three levels of Canadian governments, members of local Taiwanese community, Canadian academics and police officers, attend the Taiwan Night gala party.
Toronto TECO staff gathers together for a group photo after wrapping up the Taiwan Night event.