In Search of our roots

The Tamil Youth Organization of Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Tamil Congress and The Academy of Tamil Arts and Technology, held a youth conference titled “In Search Of our roots” at the University of Toronto in Scarborough on July 27. The conference was as part of a series of events remembering the Black July riots of 1983. 

“The event was a means for our youth to be better informed and educated about the ‘Past, Present and Future’ of the Tamil Community,” the TYO said.

The keynote speakers included Dr. Yamuna Sangarasivam, Dr. Joseph Chandrakanthan, and Dr. Ellyn Shandler, who all shared their experiences and knowledge about the pre and post1983 riots that marked the lives of Tamil people so deeply..

The TYO, supported by Toronto based lawyer Harini Sivalingam also facilitated the workshop titled “Addressing Negative Portrayal of Tamil Canadian Youth,” which tackled current issues that Tamil youth and the general Tamil community face with the media as well as within the Education and Justice system.

The day wrapped up with Beate Arnestad’s documentary titled “My daughter the Terrorist” which was well received by the youth.  The conference came to a conclusion with the three partnering committees highlighting the importance of youth engagement and participation within the Canadian and Tamil communities.