Five Ontario school boards have marked the beginning of Tamil Genocide Education Week. This is the first year since the Tamil Genocide Education Week Act was passed into law.
The legislature established May 12-18th as a week in which Ontarians "are encouraged to educate themselves about, and to maintain their awareness of, the Tamil genocide and other genocides that have occurred in world history."
On Twitter, York Region District School Board (YRDSB) recognized the “continuing grief & trauma experiences by the Tamil community,” stating;
This week is Tamil Genocide Education Week & commemorates the many innocent lives lost & displaced.
— York Region DSB (@YRDSB) May 12, 2022
This week is also a reminder of the continuing grief & trauma experienced by the Tamil community & of the need for education about genocides that have occurred in the world.
Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) also recognized Tamil Genocide Education Week remembering “those innocent families who lost their lives,” tweeting;
During #TamilGenocideEducationWeek, we remember those innocent families who lost their lives and learn about the importance of maintaining peace around the world. pic.twitter.com/JpPti7qFmB
— Toronto Catholic District School Board (@TCDSB) May 12, 2022
Further, Toronto District School Board (TDSB) also took to Twitter, stating; “We also recognize the lasting trauma & impact this genocide has on Tamil communities here in Toronto.”
During Tamil Genocide Education Week, we continue to learn how genocides impact our communities. We honour the innocent people who were displaced & those who lost their lives. We also recognize the lasting trauma & impact this genocide has on Tamil communities here in Toronto.
— Toronto District School Board (@tdsb) May 14, 2022
Durham District School Board (DDSB) also recognized Tamil Genocide Education Week, tweeting;
The DDSB recognizes Tamil Genocide Education Week and the ongoing trauma that is experienced by members of the Tamil community.#TamilGenocideEducationWeek #DDSBEquity pic.twitter.com/pHaG6ZH0nn
— Durham District School Board (DDSB) (@DDSBSchools) May 16, 2022
In addition, Peel District School Board (PDSB) recognized the impact of the Tamil Genocide on Tamils in Peel, tweeting;
During this #TamilGenocideEducationWeek (May 12 - May 18), we join communities across Ontario to bring awareness to the lasting trauma and impact this genocide has on Tamil communities here in Peel.
— Peel District School Board (@PeelSchools) May 16, 2022
The Tamil Genocide Education Week Act is currently being challenged by two separate groups in court. However, Tamil Canadian groups have been relentless in their support of the Act. In February, 63 organizations collectively called on Tamil Canadians to defend the Act by “collectively combatting genocide denial and distortion.”
