Love to Write? Got an Opinion? Want to Share? Join our current team of writers!

Send us your opinion pieces, instructional pieces, poetry or artwork to be posted on the Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance Blog (www.ctya.org/blog). Only selected submissions will be posted on the CTYA Blog. Submissions should be sent to blogs@ctya.org

City of Toronto’s “Will to Intervene” Day Proclamation

Written by: The Human Rights Advocacy Council

The Human Rights Advocacy Council of CTYA attended the official proclamation of May 10 as “Will to Intervene” Day in Toronto. It appeals to Torontonians to help prevent mass atrocities and make “never again” a reality. The cities of Vancouver and Calgary have also joined in reinforcing their cities commitments to preventing mass atrocities.

Tamil Studies Conference, Traces of the Past – May 11th & 12th, 2012

This conference aims to understand the means by which people come to know, feel, and reflect upon their past. Questions of history, memory, and heritage are all guided by the ethical concerns of the present and by desires regarding the future.

Photography Contest: Strike a Pose!

Written by: Arts and Culture Council of CTYA

This competition is open to all Tamil youth between the ages of 13 and 30. Submissions will be accepted until 6:00pm on Wednesday, May 23, 2012. All submissions will be uploaded on Facebook and will be open to be voted by audiences. The individual who submits the winning photograph will be rewarded two complimentary tickets to Thaalam 2012.

Remembering May Massacre 2009

The Human Rights Advocacy Council of CTYA joins with our members, friends, and families in commemorating the lost lives of thousands of people. We remember our relatives, friends, and brethren that were killed. We continue to urge the Canadian government along with other countries that uphold human rights as a priority, to bring forth the perpetrators and individuals responsible for the genocide of the Tamils.

BAFTA TV AWARDS 2012: Sri Lanka’s Killing Fields

Human Rights Advocacy Council of the Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance

Channel 4’s powerful documentary, Sri Lanka’s Killing Fields which depicts evidence of war crimes allegations in Sri Lanka has been nominated for a BAFTA (British Academy of Films and Television Arts) Award under the Current Affairs category. It is competing against Al Jazeera’s Bahrain: Shouting in the Dark, BBC1’s The Truth About Adoption – Panorama, and Undercover Care – The Abuse Exposed.

A Night of Youth Talent – ‘Ilanthalir’ 2012

Written by: TYO-Canada

On Friday, April 27th, 2012, the Tamil-Canadian youth community showcased a variety of artistic talent through an exhilarating show that kept audiences at the edges of their seats. The show was appropriately named Ilanthlir, which translates to “young sprouts,” as the show was entirely composed by youth.

Blood Diamonds: Former Head of State Charged with War Crimes

“Taylor’s conviction sends a powerful message that even those in the highest level positions can be held to account for grave crimes,” said Elise Keppler of Human Rights Watch. “Not since Nuremberg has an international or hybrid war crimes court issued a judgment against a current or former head of state. This is a victory for Sierra Leonean victims, and all those seeking justice when the worst abuses are committed.”

Education and Career Development Council’s Robotics Competition Recap

The Education and Career Development Council of Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance, along with alumni engineering students launched a robotics competition at Tamil Kids Day at Markham Fairgrounds. The competition included youth between grades 4 to 8which have been training weeks prior to the competition.