September 28, 2025 — Background: Since its inception in 2014, the Ottawa Tamil Association (OTA) has focused on Tamil Genocide recognition and Tamil Heritage Month. As a community organization, OTA emphasizes transparency and accountability through yearly public town halls and financial reports published on its website. Activities range from entrepreneurship skill development to volunteer contributions at food banks, healthy living and humanitarian causes. OTA’s strength lies in building coalitions and collaborative partnerships with like-minded organizations. For the latest general updates, visit: OTA News.
Annual Events: OTA hosts recurring events to celebrate Tamil heritage, remembrance, and community service:
- Tamil Heritage Month: Celebrated throughout January, with a highlight Gala on the last Sunday (January 25, 2026). More info.
- Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day: Observed on May 18 (Sunday, May 18, 2026). More info.
- Volunteerism and Collaboration: Ongoing initiatives integrating community service and partnerships.
| Event | Date/Period | Description | Link |
| Thanneer Panthal | July (Ther festival time) | Community water station | Details |
| OTA Running Club | July – September | 5K run series promoting health and wellness. | Details |
| Thiyagi Thileepan Food Drive | September 12 – 26 (Preparation starts in August) | Annual food collection drive in remembrance. | Details |
| OTA Town Hall | Winter | Public meeting for the community | Details |
| Fall Donation for Eelam Tamils | October – January | Fundraiser for TEHAF | Details |
Collaborations and Coalitions: OTA actively partners with global Tamil organizations for advocacy, education, and humanitarian efforts:
- Federation of Global Tamil Organizations (FGTO): fgto.org. A coalition focusing on consensus from annual summits. Supports TEHAF (Tamil Eelam Humanitarian Assistance Fund, launched 2023) and advocacy via Tamil PAC.
- Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America (FeTNA): fetna.org. OTA shares genocide justice and heritage efforts with 70+ organizations across USA and Canada. Links Tamil Nadu, Tamil Eelam, and diaspora. Annual events: Maaveerar Naal (November 27) and Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day (May 18, since 2024).
- Coalition for Conferences: tamilconferences.org. OTA contributed to the 2018 2nd conference, implementations, and planning for the 3rd in 2030.
- Tamil Genocide Memorial (TGM): tamilgenocide.com. Supports digital archives of Tamil Eelam history and genocide, plus museum displays. Collaborates with Tamil Community Center on genocide monuments.
OTA Horizon 2030: Long-term goals include:
- Hosting the 3rd International Conference on Tamil Nationhood and Genocide.
- Establishing a Tamil Genocide Museum/Monument in Ottawa.
- Advancing international recognition of the Tamil Genocide, building on Canada’s May 18 declaration and Ontario’s Tamil Genocide Education Week Act (outlined in OTA’s booklet).
To support these goals, join the Sustaining Supporter (OTA-SS) program by contacting a Board of Directors (BOD) member or OTA directly.
Get Involved
- Become a Member: Review bylaws at OTA Constitution and apply via Membership Form.
- Form a Sub-Team: Volunteer to lead or join focused groups on events, advocacy, or philanthropy.
- Contact: info@ottawatamilassociation.ca
Support OTA: Donate: Use the Donate button on the OTA Website. All contributions ensure transparency, with financial reports available online.
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