REACH OFFICIAL E-MAGAZINE OF TYO-CANADA
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This past month in Toronto has been a horrific one, filled with
intent to take away innocent lives, to oppress the people,
the blood of many and the tears of all the loved ones around
to rob them of their dreams are all actions of systematic
them.Within a week unbearable sorrow has overtaken many
genocide.TYO-Canada remembers all the innocent lives lost
of the citizens. And over 29 years ago Tamil businesses were
during Black July1983 and will continue to seek justice for
shattered, over 3000 Tamil civilians were burned, tortured,
the victims of genocide.
and murdered, all within a similar time period. The intent of the persecutor, in this case the Sinhala mobs with the support of the state government, was pure hatred. This
- TYO-Canada
JULY 2012
TYO - CANADA
REACH A [tamil history]
p.4
Black July
E [did you know?]
p.15
Conflict Resolution
47 B [world history]
p.5
Residential Schools
F [face-to-face]
p.16
w/ Thushanth Sivaananthan
JULY 2012 CONTENTS C [youth canada]
p.6
Black July Video Campaign UTSG, UTSC, YUTSA Black July Campaigns +
G [chef @ cheran]
p.18
Thayir Saatham
D [world youth]
p.12
Olympic Protest
H [youth reflection]
p.20
Assimilation
TYO
To work towards the enhancement of the Tamil Nation and to provide an avenue for the betterment of Tamil youth in Canada
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A [tamil history] Black July murdered, whether they were cut into pieces or burned alive. All of this happened with government officials watching over the incidents. Around 20 more Tamil prisoners were brutally murdered on this day and the prisoners that survived were transferred to other prisons. Anti-Tamil riots continued and curfews were extended. Charred corpses of Tamil civilians were lined up on the streets of Colombo according to countless eyewitnesses.
Black July was a series of deliberate actions that were fueled by the Sri Lankan government through a various means. The only target being Tamil civilians, the violence escalated and took over the country. The morning of July 24th, 1983 brought upon a sudden wave of horror as the Sri Lankan army (SLA) rounded up innocent Tamil civilians in Trincomalee,Vavuniya, and Mannar, and forced them out of their homes. Immediately following this, the SLA opened fire in Jaffna killing over 50 Tamil civilians and similarly in Trincomalee the Sri Lankan Navy also shot Tamil civilians and burned their property. In the evening of the same day, brutal anti-Tamil riots broke out in Colombo. Government gangs spearheaded these particular riots for the sole purpose of eliminating Tamil people, language, and culture off of the island. Picking out Tamil civilians with the help of voter registration lists, mobs burned Tamil homes and demolished Tamil businesses. Fire consumed streets, as Tamil civilians were burned alive during traffic searches. The violence did not stop even after a curfew set forth by the island’s President, and left thousands of Tamils homeless. Further, Sinhala prisoners with the help of jail guards massacred Tamil political prisoners inside Welikade prison. The Sri Lankan Government imposed censorship of media reporting on the anti-Tamil violence that was taking over the country. However, the news quickly spread through photographs and eyewitnesses. Tourists had said that they saw Tamil civilians taken out of their vehicles only to be brutally
The President of the island at the time, J.R. Jayewardene, finally spoke in regards to the violence for the first time on this day. However, his words didn’t help as he added fuel to the fire stating that anyone who spoke of a separate nation would lose their “civil rights.” This clear breach of human rights publicized by the president was nothing new. Temporary roadblocks in villages were put into place in order to search cars and buses for Tamil passengers. European tourists watched on as a Sinhalese mob set fire to 20 Tamils on a minibus and killed them. Tamils started leaving the south of the island, and travelling back to the north, to the city of Jaffna. Tamils who were displaced and homeless eagerly awaited to move to the Tamil homeland as it was the safest option at the time. Cargo ships that travelled back and forth from the south to the north of the island were filled with hundreds of Tamils. The violence fortunately decreased however this resulted in many Tamil seeking refuge in western countries, Canada being one of them. Black July was not the only incident where Tamils were subjected to acts of systematic genocide. The militarization of the Tamil homeland exists today, and our kith and kin continue to live under the injustice of the Sri Lankan state. As the Diaspora it is our duty to continue the fight for a separate nation and to seek justice for the victims of genocide.
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B [world history] Residential Schools
In the 19th century, the Canadian government took upon itself to educate and to look after the country’s native people, however little did they know that they were heading down a very dark past. This mistake would haunt the Canadian government forever labeling them responsible for the loss of Canadian aboriginal culture through the use of residential schools. These schools were run by the church and funded by the government initiated to “mould” native Canadian children into the Christian and Canadian customs. Attendance was mandatory therefore many if not all children were forced to attend. This may seem completely ridiculous to people now, but the Canadian government did not believe that the aboriginal people had the capacity to blend in with the society that was building around them. The government of Canada discouraged these students from speaking in languages other than English or French. If they were caught speaking their native language they were punished. Allegations of physical and emotional abuse as well as sexual abuse surrounded these schools. These kids were taken forcefully away from their family for 10 months at a time and activities were separated by gender. Students were ashamed of the native culture and often couldn’t find the skills to help their parents with anything
that they needed. Having been forced to learn something they were completely foreign to, these children experienced some of the most horrific events that no one deserves to be put through. It was a long time before the Canadian Government realized it’s mistake and started compensating for their actions. In 2007, the federal government issued a $1.9-billion compensation package for those who were forced to attend residential schools. Former students were eligible for $10,000 for the first year of part of a year they attended school, as well as $3,000 for every year following that. The remaining money of the $1.9 billion was to be donated to foundations that support the learning needs of Native Canadians. Further, the Catholic Church and the other churches that oversaw most of the residential schools issued public apologies. The act of cultural assimilation is beyond horrific and this action taken by the Government of Canada was definitely something to never be proud of. Actions very similar to these are now terrifying the Tamil homeland, as the Sinhala state continues to systematically erase the Tamil culture, identity, and people off the island. It is our duty as Tamil youth of the Diaspora to continue advocating for a separate state and to safe guard our rich culture.
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C [youth canada] Black July Video Campaign TORONTO, ON
This year the Tamil Youth Organization-Canada, spearheaded and produced a highly informative video that would reach masses for the sole purpose of educating the wider community about the events of Black July 1983. Members of different ethnic communities who stand in solidarity with our fight for justice, spoke in their language about the atrocities committed by the Sri Lankan state 29 years ago. The video serves to be a useful tool when in need of explaining the importance of continuing the fight for a separate nation. Click Here to view the full video.
UTSG Black July Poetry Night TORONTO, ON
UTSG TSA held a poetry night that reflected the horrid events of July 1983. This event took place on Thursday, July 26th, 2012 from 6 to 8 PM. With performances that captivated the audience and took them back to the time where Tamils were slaughtered for the sole being of being Tamil. The night was informative as well as inspiring as it left the audience thinking about their role in how they can help liberate our nation from the clutches of the tyrant Sinhala state.
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UTSC Black July Web Campaign SCARBOROUGH, ON
July of 1983 has been a pivotal point in the history of our Tamil people. Atrocities of that point in time have heightened conditions of oppression among our brothers and sisters. Not only back home, but also around the world today. UTSC TSA has choose the dates from July 24-July 30th, to portray a timeline of events which had left a heavy impact in the hearts and souls of all Tamil people. Each day, the entire executive team displayed different profile pictures, with a detailed caption each day, to remember specific events that took place each day.
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JULY 2012
YUTSA Black July Web Campaign TORONTO, ON
In remembrance of Black July 1983, the York University Tamil Students’ Association launched an online campaign via social media outlets such as Twitter and Facebook. The aim of this campaign was to educate the wider community about the atrocities of state sponsored riots that took place on the island in attempt to wipe out the Tamil civilians. YUTSA asked everyone to write “#remember83” on the palms of their hands, to take a picture of it, and post it on a corresponding social media outlet.
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Black July Remembrance SCARBOROUGH, ON
On July 22nd, 2012 the community came together at Albert Campbell Square to remember and pay respect to the innocent lives lost in the Anti-Tamil riots of July 1983. Better known as Black July, the Tamil community still remembers the horrific scenes of that week, as it haunts them till this day. Many state the events of Black July to the reason they’re here in Canada now, the island was not at all a place to reside being of Tamil heritage. Performances and speeches at this event reflected the immediate need for a political solution that entailed Tamils to their own country.
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D [world youth] Olympic Protest UNITED KINGDOM
Hundreds of British-Tamils gathered in London on Friday evening to protest against Sri Lanka’s participation in the 2012 Olympic games, as well as the reported invite to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to attend the opening ceremony. Protestors gathered along Aspen Way, which Olympic vehicles, including members of the Royal Family, passed on their way to the opening ceremony at the Olympic Stadium. Beating drums and chanting slogans condemning Sri Lanka’s genocide of the Tamil people, the protesters called for the suspension of the country from international sporting events.
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E [did you know?]
Conflict Resolution The better able team members are to engage, speak, listen, hear, interpret, andrespond constructively, the more likely their teams are to leverage conflict rather than be leveled by it.
Example:
- Craig Runde and Tim Flannagan
You-Statement: You are so inconsiderate! You never come on time and it’s so frustrating. I’m always stuck with more work than I have to do.
Did you know that conflicts arise in practically every aspect of your life? Whether it’s in your work environment or during a social gathering, conflicts are bound to happen.
I-Statement: I feel upset when you come late because it puts me in a position where I have to do more work than I had expected.
No one person is the same as another. We all have different perceptions, upbringings, pressures, and more that make us who we are. It is due to these differences in opinions and views that make conflicts arise.
People would feel more receptive with the I-Statement while the You-Statement could feel more like an attack.
A general conflict resolution process includes the following steps: 1.
Have a meeting
2.
Collect information
3.
Come to consensus on the problem
4.
Come up with possible solutions
5.
Negotiate a solution
One way to ensure that you’re communicating effectively is by using the I-Statement. The I-Statement is a method of communication whereby you are able to express your feelings without provoking negative reactions. By using these statements, the person you are communicating with will not feel as though you are attacking them. There are 3 parts to this statement: I feel (state your emotion)… when you (describe the behaviour or under what conditions you feel this way)… because (explain why those conditions or that behaviour made you feel this way).
Did you know that even the wisest individuals find themselves in conflicts and have to resort to some sort of conflict resolution method in order to ensure that they’re able to solve their problems in a positive manner? Next time you find yourself in conflict, remember to not let it control you. Take control of it.
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F [face-to-face] Thushanth Sivaananthan
TAMIL YOUTH ARE STARTING TO VENTURE INTO A VARIETY OF FIELDS
YOU ARE CURRENTLY THE CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER (CMO) OF
AND ARE STARTING THEIR OWN BUSINESSES. WHAT OR WHO INSPIRED
WOW CLOTHING. WHAT IS YOUR ROLE EXACTLY AND WHAT ARE YOUR
YOU TO STEP INTO THE FIELD OF CLOTHING PRODUCTION?
GOALS OR DREAMS FOR THE COMPANY?
The idea of “WOW” was actually started by my colleague and close friend, Saye
My role as a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) is to not only get our products
Sathiyakumar, who is currently the CEO of WOW Clothing. He approached me
out and into the attention of the public but also to develop our name as a brand
with a magnificent idea. To emphasize individuality and personality in a form that
as well. My main duties involve keeping in touch with organizations, companies,
is popular and yearned by all people- Clothing. Throughout my life I have seen
clients and/or any other affiliates and making sure they receive and get their
many fads, and fashions come and go. I have read many articles and journals on
desired product. I deal with most of the orders and collaborations that come
fashion all around the world especially on the Europeans who are known to be
our way. Most importantly just like the position title states, I deal with a lot of
a few years ahead of us in fashion. With these experiences it always occurred to
marketing. In this era, social media goes a long way in attracting attention to our
me how does fashion creep on a population and for the ones that do succeed,
clothing. I make sure we are up to date on all social media channels (Facebook,
what it has done so great that people still follow it. These curiosities alongside
Twitter, Instagram) and that we are always updating our accounts so that our
my colleague’s passion inspired me to take a step into this realm of fashion and
customers and fans are kept informed frequently. When marketing I also step
clothing production. I can surely speak on behalf of the members of WOW
into the region of multimedia as well. Alongside our media officer, I work with
Clothing when I say a great idol in terms of clothing company that we look up
and also do videos to help promote our company. We try to be fresh and
to is CROOKS AND CASTLES. The reason is because of the struggle they had
innovative by doing vlogs and videos that are entertaining yet still marketing our
to go through to bring their brand out and also for whom they brought it out
clothing company. With my previous experience working with different organiza-
for. All everyone wants is their brand to be something equivalent to expensive
tions I have acquired a knack for this which I enjoy doing. My goals and dreams
brands like Louis Vuitton, Versace, Gucci, Prada, or have a famous individual wear
for this company are to make this clothing company not just a brand or a name
their products. WOW clothing is different. We cater to preserve individuality
but a movement. We want to be a great inspiration and strength to those who
and personality. Everyone is unique in their own way and they should keep that
need support in finding their unique self and preserving it. As a movement we
instead of striving to be like another. That is why we coined the phrase “Be the
take a stand through fashion itself to believe and be proud of whom we are no
red in a crowd of blue,” meaning always strive to be unique and never conform
matter where we are from. My dream is for everyone to associate WOW with
to losing your personality. That is why we were inspired to cater to the public
clothing. When a person sees, thinks, or hears the word “WOW” and associates
something fashionable and affordable but at the same time something that
it to us, that right there is a my dream coming true.
conveys a positive message. We are very symbolic when it comes to our designs. Not only through our clothing are we looking to excel in WOW as a movement, but also a motivational team that seeks to find great talents and skills in the community and showcase it to the city of Toronto. We want to motivate others to believe there are no limits, there are only obstacles we must overcome in life, once we overcome them that is where success finds us.
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YOU’VE BEEN HEAVILY INVOLVED WITH THE TAMIL STUDENTS’ ASSOCIA-
TSA was a way for one to make a difference because it gave you the hand you
TION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO SCARBOROUGH CAMPUS,
needed to make your actions be heard on a larger scale. It was then I thought to
BEING PART OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, PART OF THE UTSC TSA
myself when I go to UTSC I got to somehow get on this team and help do what
ASSASSINS, AND ALSO A MEMBER OF MILLER INFERNO. WHAT WERE
they do. I loved the aspect of a team chosen by their peers to represent them on
SOME OF YOUR FAVORITES MOMENTS IN RELATION TO YOUR INVOLVE-
a larger scale. It was a great feeling that the events that we put out were not just
MENT WITH THE TSA?
restricted between four walls but much larger. The things one sought to do as
Being part of TSA greatly sculpted me on who I turned out to be. It broadened my view on my culture, tradition and especially my Tamil identity. With TSA I had countless moments that I will cherish forever. Once I got into TSA it opened doors to other great opportunities like the UTSC ASSASSINS which gave me a platform to showcase my passion for dance. A memorable moment was the day we all sat down and began thinking of names for our team because my year was the first year our TSA was entering a team in for the competition. I was very excited because we were the underdogs and everything was new. 3 years later, this past June, my 2nd most memorable moment for the ASSASSINS came when we became 1st place champions at Thaalam 2012. That whole day to its finest grain was engraved into me; it was the happiest day of my life. The thing with TSA is that you are always learning something new about your culture and
an individual but couldn’t now was possible because a group of people worked together to help achieve it for you. Whether it was spreading Tamil identity, remembering the fallen, or celebrating an auspicious cultural holiday, TSA made sure it was done to an extent that those they strived to represent were well served and satisfied. It is important to get involved with TSA no matter where you are because it not only teaches you about our identity, heritage, or culture but it also builds you as a person, refines skills and assets you already have but at the same time develops ones that you may not have had. The Tamil population is growing and the percentage of Tamil students is higher than it was before. It is important that we take a step forward and make sure we get heard when we are supposed to but also educate the rest on who we are as well. Through TSA this is possible.
heritage because of the collaborations and events that the organization holds
HOW HAS INVOLVEMENT WITH TSA AND THE BROADER TAMIL COMMU-
or takes place in. Everything from Maveerar naal, to Thai pongal, to even my
NITY SHAPED YOUR VIEWS AND BELIEFS? WHY DO YOU THINK IT IS
very first Kilithaatu tournament where we went in as the Miller Inferno and
IMPORTANT FOR TSA TO UPHOLD TAMIL IDENTITY?
won 2nd place taught me about a country that is minute in size comparison to other countries yet so rich in culture and heritage to a point that your surprised you had never knew any of this. I remember it was Tamil identity week and our Awareness coordinator was educating us on our national animal, plant, tree and bird. I was surprised to find out that our national animal was a leopard! Most wouldn’t have thought that on their first try which is why that week was so exciting for me making it a great memory when looking back now.
TSA alongside the Tamil communities and organizations that followed helped me understand a lot. Ever since I was younger everything was masked by the political side to who we were. I realize now that the main thing we need to hold to ourselves is our Tamil identity. There is a lot more to our identity then the political side that most people know about. For some that is all they know but there is also other things that we should also equally know as well. My biggest fear is that 5-10 years down the road, the younger generations may not be that
YOU’RE PRACTICALLY A HOUSEHOLD NAME WHEN IT COMES TO UTSC
intuitive to the important aspects of our identity. Growing up as a Canadian
BECAUSE THE EFFORT AND TIME YOU PUT TOWARDS TSA. WHAT WAS
citizen, my identity as a Canadian was no doubt drilled into me through various
YOUR REASON BEHIND GETTING INVOLVED WITH TSA? WHY DO YOU
ways. Whether it is through school, the people in life, or even media I truly
THINK IT IS IMPORTANT TO GET INVOLVED WITH TSA AT RESPECTIVE
knew who I was as a Canadian. I remember learning about our national animal
CAMPUSES?
in history at my elementary school, or even making our national flag in grade 2
I am flattered by that but honestly it’s really nothing like that. I just did something I enjoyed and loved. When you really enjoy something and your intentions are for the right reasons, automatically you put in the effort and time in what you do. I really loved being part of TSA because it helped me believe that I can actually make a difference and do something to an extent that it does count on a larger scale. The reason for why I got involved with TSA all started even before I started attending UTSC. It was the summer before I entered university and there was a rally happening at Queens Park. I had gone there with my family and my cousin, who was already and executive of UTSC TSA, was their painting Tamil Eelam on faces of those who chose to wear one at the rally alongside her TSA team. It is then I met the president at the time, who talked to me and explained what TSA was all about, what they did, why they did it, and the importance of it.
art class, but I don’t have any memories of anyone really teaching me about my other identity, my Tamil identity. I have vague memories of my parents telling me stories but it was all tied to the same political reasoning but I always felt there other thing that I still didn’t know. It was when I came to TSA I learned all this and more. That is why I think TSA is important because it will always be there to educate and keep the drive force going in maintaining our identity as a Tamil. I am equally proud of my Canadian identity and Tamil identity because I truly understand that what that really is. Through TSA more and more people are starting to take pride in it as well and holding as a crucial thing in their lives. TSA must uphold Tamil identity so that its legacy is carried on for the generations to come and that the same pride I have today should be the same if not more 50 years from now.
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G [chef @ cheran]
Thayir Saatham INGREDIENTS
• • • • • • • • • • •
1 onion 2-3 green chillis 1-2 slice of ginger Pinch of mustard seeds Pinch of cumin seeds Sprig of curry leaves 2 tsp Salt pepper to taste Rice 1 cup of 2% yogurt Butter or margarine for taste
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INSTRUCTIONS:
1 Finely chop onion, green chilies and ginger
4 Then add the 1-cup of 2% yogurt to the pan and stir
2 In a pan heat 1tbsp of vegetable oil and add the sprig of curry leaves, cumin seeds and mustard seeds.
5 Then add 2 cups of cooked rice or left over rice to the yogurt. Mix well. Turn off the stove
3 Then add the chopped onion, green chilies and ginger and let it simmer and stir until it golden brown
6 Then add a bit of butter or margarine for taste
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H [youth reflections] Assimilation
It’s something we learn in history class when we’re taught about Native Canadians. It’s a dark part of Canadian history, a part of history that we often forget. However, I was reminded of this when I spoke to my grandma after her trip to the north and east part of the island of Sri Lanka; a little place we like to call Tamileelam. She was upset at what she had seen. Buddhist temples, which are clear reflections of the Sinhala state, were all over the Tamil homeland. My grandma was confused and surprised. She said she expected to visit home however, everything seemed so foreign, and it wasn’t at all what she had remembered “home” to be like. Having heard what she had thought of her trip, I had immediately thought back to
the tactics Canada had used to assimilate Native Canadians into Christianity, by setting up residential schools. Of course, Canada realized their grave mistake, apologies were made, and benefits where offered to Native Canadians. In the case of Sri Lanka however, this is obviously something that isn’t going to happen and even if it were to result in glorious benefits for the Tamil community on the island, I don’t think that it would be enough. I don’t think that any sort of apology, or the International Criminal Court would be enough to deliver justice for the Tamil people. Who’s to say that the history won’t repeat itself? The only solution to all of this would be Tamileelam.
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Speak Out As Tamil youth in Canada, we have the ultimate duty of educating others, as well as ourselves of the suffering of the Tamil people. Understanding is crucial. And with understanding comes awareness, the most essential step in the path to progress.
Join TYO Our doors are always open to new members that are looking to make a difference for Tamils around the world. As an organization with the interests of Tamil youth at heart, TYO provides opportunities for Canadian Tamil youth to network, contribute, and develop their skills in various areas as well. Interested in getting involved? Please contact us at
REACH@CANADATYO.ORG
Or visit us at
WWW.CANADATYO.ORG
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