Su’a Taefu Ausanetaliitama Falefitu

Su’a Taefu Ausanetaliitama Falefitu, commonly known as Fitu Taefu, is the esteemed owner and sole tattoo artist of Tatau Le Toa Inc in St Albert, Alberta, Canada. He is recognized as the only Tufuga (Samoan Traditionally Trained Tattoo Artist) in Canada and holds the revered title of Matai (Chief). Fitu humbly acknowledges that Tatau Le Toa Inc is located within ᐊᒥᐢᑲᐧᒋᐋᐧᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ, Treaty 6 Territory. His lineage is deeply connected to the art of Tatau, with his family tracing their origins to Falelatai in Samoa and linked to the foundational origin story of Tatau and the renowned Suluape family.

Born and raised in Aotearoa (New Zealand) in a Samoan-speaking home, Fitu had the privilege of learning the profound culture and ceremony of Tatau from his uncle, the late Grandmaster Tufuga Su’a Suluape Paulo II. After moving to Canada in 2009, he further honed his craft by learning Western tattooing techniques. Today, Fitu specializes in authentic Polynesian tattoos, expertly offering both traditional Hand Tapping and tattoo machine techniques, alongside Black & Grey styles. His approach is deeply personal and ceremonial; he crafts 100% custom, freehand designs tailored to each client’s unique story and body anatomy, utilizing specific Polynesian motifs and forms. He emphasizes that Tatau is a transformative process focused on ‘healing from pain,’ creating visual narratives of strength and resilience.

Tatau Le Toa Inc is committed to providing an inclusive and trauma-informed environment, treating every client like Aigā (family). Fitu is approved by Alberta Health Services for both machine and hand tapping—a distinction that makes him the only artist in Alberta with hand-tapping approval. He prioritizes client safety above all else, upholding rigorous standards of cleanliness and sterilization in his practice.