Celebrate Community and the Season at Sooke’s Winter Solstice Celebration on December 20

The District of Sooke, the Edward Milne Community School Society (EMCSS), and the 60s Scoop Legacy of Canada invite residents to come together in celebration of the longest night of the year at the Winter Solstice Celebration on Saturday, December 20, starting at 5:00 p.m. at the Edward Milne Community School (EMCS) Commons. This festive gathering will honour local traditions, celebrate community connection, and welcome the return of the light as days begin to lengthen once again.

Attendees are welcome to bring a dish to share (optional but appreciated), adding to the spirit of togetherness and the communal table.

The evening will begin at 5:00 p.m. with guest arrivals, warm beverages, and ambient seasonal music to set the tone for a cozy winter celebration. At 5:45 p.m., attendees will be invited to participate in a Blessing and Land Acknowledgment offered by a local Elder, with reflections on the significance of the Winter Solstice across cultures.

Opening remarks will follow at 6:00 p.m., including a brief history of Winter Solstice traditions and expressions of gratitude to the sponsors and community supporters who make the event possible.

A seasonal buffet-style dinner will be served, offering a variety of festive dishes with vegetarian and gluten-free options available. Dinner will be accompanied by cultural entertainment, with guests of all ages welcome to participate and enjoy the lively experience. Local nation drum groups will share songs, and fiddler Calvin Cairn and the Joyful Jiggers will be performing.

At 8:00 p.m., the floor will open for Community Sharing, providing an opportunity for attendees to offer stories, poems, reflections, or thoughts on the theme of renewal.

The evening will conclude at 8:30 p.m., marking the end of a warm and memorable community gathering.

For many Indigenous Peoples, the Winter Solstice is a significant time for celebration, reflection, and ceremony that honours the cycles of nature and the return of the light. It is a time for community gatherings, sharing stories and traditional knowledge from Elders, and giving thanks for the balance of light and dark.

Event Contact:
Katherine Strongwind — 250-618-7158