Leadership, Voice, and Courage Guided by Loon Teachings

Leadership & Mentorship — Loon on Paddle Workshop

The Leadership and Motivation — Loon on Paddle Workshop is an interactive learning experience that explores leadership, communication, and teamwork through Indigenous teachings, storytelling, and hands-on art-making.

Inquire for Your Team

I am Abenaki from Odanak, and Loon teachings are shared with respect, cultural grounding, and care. In this workshop, Loon is honoured as a teacher of voice, courage, awareness, and responsibility. Loon reminds us that leadership is not about volume or authority, but about listening, speaking with intention, and guiding others with clarity and care. This workshop invites participants to reflect on their own leadership style, how they use their voice, and how they contribute to collective movement forward.

Storytelling and Loon Teachings

The workshop begins with storytelling that introduces Loon as a symbol and teacher.

Loon teachings focus on:

Voice and communication

Courage to speak and be heard

Awareness of surroundings and community

Leadership through responsibility and guidance

Through story and discussion, participants explore what it means to use their voice thoughtfully, to listen as much as they speak, and to lead in ways that support collective wellbeing.

Reflection invites participants to consider how leadership shows up in their own lives, communities, and workplaces.

Teamwork and Leadership Reflection (Optional Component)

An optional teamwork or discussion-based exercise can be included.

This component connects paddle symbolism to:
• Working together toward shared goals
• Understanding different leadership roles
• Recognizing how individual actions impact collective success

This portion can be adapted for youth leadership, staff development, or community learning contexts.

A group of professionals engaging in a collaborative art-making session with Focal Point Artistry, focusing on the Loon and Paddle motifs to explore collective leadership.

Art Methodology – Loon on Paddle Painting

The Art Project

Participants paint a Loon on a paddle, using the paddle as both canvas and teaching tool.

The process includes:
• Lightly sketching the Loon with a symbolic focus rather than realism
• Painting with acrylics, individually or collaboratively
• Reflecting on themes of voice, guidance, teamwork, and movement

The paddle represents journey, direction, and shared responsibility. Just as a canoe moves forward when people paddle together, leadership requires cooperation, communication, and mutual effort.

A Reflective and Collaborative Process

Art-making is guided mindfully, encouraging participants to reflect on how they use their voice, support others, and contribute to group movement.

Each finished paddle becomes a tangible symbol of leadership growth, reflection, and intention.

Who This Workshop Is For

This workshop is adaptable for a wide range of audiences, including:

• Cultural organizations and community groups
• Schools and educational programs
• Youth groups and adult learning circles
• Museum and gallery visitors
• Leadership teams and professional groups

The content and facilitation style are shaped to suit the age, experience level, and goals of each group.

A diverse group of corporate leaders and student representatives participating in a Focal Point Artistry leadership workshop centered on the Loon and Paddle teachings.

Workshop Flow

A typical workshop follows this rhythm:

• Introduction and grounding
• Storytelling focused on Loon teachings of voice, courage, and leadership
• Loon on paddle painting session
• Optional teamwork or reflection exercise
• Closing discussion on lessons learned and practical leadership applications

Logistics and Booking Details

Length: 3 to 4.5 hours, depending on audience and format

Cost: $500 per workshop (facilitation)

Materials fee: $20 per participant

Includes:
• Wooden paddles
• Paints and brushes

Travel and accommodations are additional and discussed during booking.

A visual representation of the "Loon Leadership" outcomes, highlighting the shift from individual vision to collective community responsibility through Wabanaki design principles.

Impact and Learning Outcomes

Participants leave the workshop with:
• A deeper understanding of leadership through Indigenous teachings
• Reflection on communication, courage, and responsibility
• Strengthened awareness of teamwork and collaboration
• A completed art piece representing personal growth and leadership insight

The workshop bridges art, storytelling, and leadership learning in a way that is accessible, meaningful, and culturally grounded.

Book the Leadership and Motivation Workshop

This workshop is ideal for organizations, schools, and community groups seeking leadership learning that is reflective, creative, and rooted in Indigenous knowledge. To discuss audience fit, format options, or scheduling, please visit the Contact and Booking page.

Inquire About Availability