Winter Solstice workshops set for Tommy Thompson Park this Saturday and Sunday

Local residents are invited to take part in this weekend’s Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s (TRCA) Winter Solstice Series.

A pair of events are planned to take place in Tommy Thompson Park, at 1 Leslie St., on Dec. 20 and Dec. 21.

Winter Solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year, with the sun rising at 7:47 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21, and setting at 4:43 p.m. It is observed as a turning point, since the length of daylight begins to gradually increase after the solstice.

On Saturday, Dec. 20, the TRCA will host an event on how to weave dreamcatchers. Cost to participate is $30.

On Sunday, Dec. 21, there will be a workshop on lantern crafting.

Saturday’s event takes place from 3 to 5 p.m., and participants are invited to craft dream catchers using soft hide, sinew, wooden rings, beads, and feathers. The creation will be led by Algonquin Métis artist and Knowledge Keeper Diane Montreuil.

All materials will be provided, and Montreuil will share teachings and Indigenous Ways of Knowing about the winter season and solstice.

On Sunday, instructors will guide participants in upcycling a tin can to create an eco-friendly lantern.
There will be two 90-minute workshops on how to craft the lanterns. The first workshop will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m., and the second workshop will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. Cost to participate is $15.

For more information, or to purchase tickets in advance for the workshops, please go to https://trca.ca/winter-solstice