Tamil Heritage Month is proudly recognized during the month of January at the Toronto District School Board since January 2016.  It has also been marked across the province of Ontario since March 2004 with the implementation of the Tamil Heritage Month Act, 2014. Further, Tamil Heritage Month is also formally recognized nationally since January 2016 by the passing of a motion which reads,  

That, in the opinion of the House, the government should recognize the contributions that Tamil-Canadians have made to Canadian society, the richness of the Tamil language and culture, and the importance of educating and reflecting upon Tamil heritage for future generations by declaring January, every year, Tamil Heritage Month.

This year our theme for Tamil Heritage Month is:  Community. Belonging. Joy - சமூகம்  சார்ந்த  சந்தோசம்   Belonging comes with a sense of acceptance and inclusion for who you are, and there is great joy that comes from knowing you belong within any given community. This year’s Tamil Heritage Month theme was selected to highlight that joy and belonging, and is intentionally aligned with one of the TDSB’s priorities - Joy, Engagement and Belonging.  Please see the posters below from our students as a result of a Poster Challenge inviting all TDSB student to submit an image to reflect this year’s theme.

Toronto has the largest Tamil population outside of the South Asian subcontinent with thousands of TDSB students and staff members who identify as Tamil. The importance of building awareness, creating a strong self and collective identities, and understanding one's own roots and rights are important objectives of the Tamil Heritage Month volunteer planning committee.

To mark Tamil Heritage Month at the Toronto District School Board in January, various educational opportunities will be offered to students to learn about the history, culture, and traditions.  

For further information about Tamil Heritage Month, please follow us on twitter to learn interesting facts on Tamil customs and traditions @TDSB_Tamil