First Nations Garden Launches Winter Workshop Series in Albany Park for December 2025

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Albany Park · December 8, 2025

Albany Park's beloved First Nations Garden is brightening the winter season with a special series of cultural workshops starting this Friday, December 12. The garden, located at the corner of Wilson Avenue and Pulaski Road, has announced expanded indoor programming focused on traditional Indigenous crafts, storytelling, and ecological knowledge that will continue through the winter months.

Visitors can participate in free weekly Open Beadwork Classes with no registration required and all supplies provided for community members interested in learning traditional Native American craft techniques. "The garden is a place where the community knows they can come and ask questions about native people still living here in Chicago, practicing their culture," explains Janie Pochel, one of the garden's leaders. The winter activities build on the garden's mission as both a healing environment for Chicago's Native community and an educational hub for neighbors interested in indigenous traditions.

Residents interested in participating can follow the First Nations Garden on Instagram @firstnationsgarden for the complete winter workshop schedule. The garden, which received significant city funding for improvements last year, continues to strengthen Albany Park's reputation as one of Chicago's most culturally rich and diverse neighborhoods.

Sources:
1. https://www.choosechicago.com/blog/free-cheap/10-free-things-to-do-in-chicago/
2. https://chinations.org/first-nations-garden/
3. https://news.wttw.com/2019/06/18/new-first-nations-garden-albany-park