Cultural Teachings by Jessica Somers

CULTURAL TEACHINGS

Jessica Somers shares cultural teachings through storytelling, art, and experiential learning. These teachings are grounded in respect, responsibility, and lived experience, and are shared with care, intention, and cultural protocol. The focus is on helping audiences understand their relationship to the land, to one another, and to the natural world.

Grounded in Respect and Cultural Integrity

All knowledge shared through Focal Point Artistry is permission-based and offered only when appropriate and allowed. Some teachings are sacred or restricted and are not shared publicly. Respect for these boundaries is central to how Jessica works, ensuring that cultural integrity and responsibility are always maintained.

Teachings Rooted in the Natural World

Jessica’s teachings often focus on animals, birds, Mother Earth, and the natural cycles of the earth.

These teachings highlight interconnectedness, showing how humans, animals, birds, and the land relate within Indigenous worldviews. The stories reflect the rhythms of the seasons, the land we live on, and the responsibilities that come with belonging to a place.

Vibrant Woodland style artwork by Jessica Somers depicting elements of the natural world, symbolizing Indigenous land-based teachings and environmental connection.

Leadership, Reciprocity, and Life Lessons

Cultural teachings shared through Jessica’s work include lessons about leadership, reciprocity, and responsibility.

Audiences are invited to reflect on their role within the community and the environment, and to consider how their actions affect the land and all living beings. These teachings support understanding of balance, care, and mutual respect.

Jessica Somers of Focal Point Artistry mentoring a group, discussing the Indigenous concept of reciprocity and leadership life lessons through the lens of Woodland style art.

Preserving Knowledge for Future Generations

Stories shared through art and teaching reflect land, heritage, and the importance of preserving culture.

A strong emphasis is placed on passing knowledge forward in a respectful way, ensuring that teachings are not only remembered, but carried with care by future generations.

Jessica Somers ensuring the preservation of Indigenous knowledge by teaching Woodland style art and Wabanaki traditions to the next generation in Northern Ontario.

Learning Through Story, Art, and Experience

Teachings are shared through:

Storytelling
Visual art
Hands-on and experiential learning

This approach allows audiences to engage thoughtfully and reflectively, rather than through passive observation. It creates space for listening, dialogue, and deeper understanding.

Jessica Somers facilitating an Indigenous learning session, combining oral storytelling with Woodland style art creation for a holistic educational experience.

Adaptable for Many Settings

Cultural teachings can be adapted for:

Classrooms
Workshops
Galleries
Community programs

All sessions are delivered in ways that respect cultural protocols and the needs of the space, while maintaining the integrity of the teachings being shared.

Focal Point Artistry providing adaptable Indigenous art workshops and cultural programming in diverse environments like schools, offices, and outdoor community spaces.

A Responsible Approach to Cultural Learning

Cultural teachings are not performances or information to consume. They are shared with purpose, care, and responsibility.

Focal Point Artistry exists to support respectful learning, reflection, and relationship-building with the land, with culture, and with one another.

Focal Point Artistry providing education on a responsible approach to Indigenous cultural learning and respectful engagement with Wabanaki traditions.