Winter Solstice Series: Weaving Dreamcatchers

Discover the Indigenous art of dreamcatcher crafting, believed to bring you positive dreams.

Hang them above your sleeping space to keep bad dreams at bay while letting the good ones flow through, guided by feathers. The unwanted dreams are ensnared in the web, vanishing with the first light of day.

At our creative workshop led by Algonquin Métis visual artist, educator, and Knowledge Keeper, Diane Montreuil, you'll craft your dreamcatcher with enduring materials like soft hide, sinew, and wooden rings. Beads and feathers are carefully added to beckon good dreams your way.

During this 2 hour workshop, Diane will share teachings and Indigenous Ways of Knowing surrounding the winter season and solstice. All materials will be provided.

Cost: Tickets are $60 + HST (plus Eventbrite fees)

For discounted tickets without the additional fees, register on our website.

If cost presents a financial barrier to your participation, please contact Tisha at tisha.tan@trca.ca.

This event is intended for a General Audience:

• Beginner level information
• Includes intermediate concepts
• Content intended for older youth and adults

Event Details

Meeting Location: We’ll meet at Downsview Park (70 Canuck Ave, Toronto). If you enter the building through the North doors, we will be in the first room on your right. There is free parking in front of the building. For public transit, Downsview Park Go and Downsview Park Subway Station are both about a 20-minute walk away and there is a bus stop at Keele and Shepperd, which is about a 5-minute walk.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellation requests received by TRCA more than 14 days before the start of the program will receive a 75% refund of the relevant program fees paid. Cancellation requests received by TRCA less than 14 days before the start of the program do not qualify for a refund. Minimum registration numbers required for program to operate. In the event TRCA must cancel the program due to low registration or government order, a full refund will be issued.

Be Prepared

• The workshop will take place indoors, but please dress appropriately for the weather as parts of the workshop may take place outside.
• Bring a personal water bottle and snacks, if needed.
• Hot beverages will be served - if you have a reusable mug, bring it! Disposable mugs will be provided.

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is committed to creating an accessible experience for all participants. If you require an accessibility accommodation, please email tisha.tan@trca.ca at least 7 days prior to the event.

This event is part of TRCA's Winter Solstice Series. Learn more about this event series and the significance of the winter solstice at our website.

About Our Speaker

Diane Montreuil is an Algonquin Métis visual artist, educator, and curator.

In 2019, Diane was appointed by the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) as their Knowledge Keeper and Elder in Residence. She is part of the Indigenous Advisory Board, where she has been collaborating with different schools since 2018, speaking on Indigenous Culture and hosting art classes. Diane also collaborated with other schools and school boards, including Waldorf Academy of Toronto, Toronto District School Board (TDSB), Viamonde School Board, York University, and Niagara University.

Since 2017, Diane’s artwork has been selected and presented in different exhibitions in Toronto. Her paintings are shown in various galleries in Ontario and her work has been circulated throughout Canada, USA, and Europe.

For over 30 years, Diane has been apprenticing the traditional ways for her own healing with Cherokee Grandmother/Elder and Elders of First Nations in Ontario. It is very important for her to learn back language and tradition. Diane uses art as a tool of communication as she brings the knowledge of her Grandmother/Elder's teachings to life.