EDUCATION AND ACTION
Closed loop
INSPIRATION AND CONNECTION
HELPING PEOPLE GO FROM OCEAN RECREATORS AND WORKERS TO OCEAN CARETAKERS.
My inspiration behind these workshops came from a life-changing 2018 assignment with eXXpedition, where every water sample we collected in the Salish Sea contained microplastics. The disconnect between our coast’s pristine image and its polluted reality struck me deeply.
Every time I wrote about an environmental issue, I felt like I was telling the same story with a different cast of characters. What was at the root of all these issues? Our society’s extractive relationship with nature—stemming from colonialism. This question led me to ask: What comes after storytelling? How do we move beyond simply understanding these issues to transforming our relationship with the natural world?
That’s why I created workshops to help water recreators and those in the blue economy move towards a deeper relationship with and the ocean—one that inspires action, healing, and stewardship. Through storytelling, education, and ecopsychology principles like eco-art, my workshops offer a path not just to understanding ocean issues, but to actively working toward solutions.
Much of my personal development in this area was shaped by learning from the Sk̲wxwú7mesh Úxwumixw community and Elders. I remain deeply grateful and continue to learn from the original stewards of this land and sea: the Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Kwakwaka'wakw Peoples.
WORKSHOP
Ocean plastic pollution: sources & solutions
IN-PERSON, ANY GROUP SIZE
This workshop answers the questions:
How does plastic get into the ocean?
What can I do about it?
Participants will learn about:
The primary and secondary sources of plastic pollution
What all of this pollution means for us and marine life
How to use the skills they already have to make a difference
We use an example item of ocean plastic and go through a cause and solution-finding framework, covering socio-economic impacts and plastic pollution myths. We also work through a skill and solution-matching exercise.
This workshop can include a marine litter clean-up and/or microplastic sampling.
LENGTH: 1 - 2 HRS Depending on activities
BEST FOR:
OCEAN BASED RETREATS
WATER SPORT BASED COMMUNITY GROUPS
COASTAL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS
OCEAN RELATED NON-PROFITS
WORKSHOP
OCEAN PLASTIC POLLUTION FOR BLUE ECONOMY PROFESSIONALS
IN-PERSON OR ONLINE, ANY GROUP SIZE
This workshop covers the same information as Ocean Plastic Pollution: Sources & Solutions but with a twist.
The exercises and solutions are tailored to your workplace or program, and communication strategies are included for those working with tour guests.
Marine litter threatens tourism, outdoor recreation and other ocean sectors. Case studies from places like Indonesia and Chile have shown how much plastic pollution can impact a destination's reputation, outdoor recreation activities and tourism-based economies. By learning about ocean plastic pollution and engaging guests on the issues we can change perspectives and increase awareness of the solutions and how responsible tourism practices can play a role.
LENGTH: 1.5 HRS (CUSTOMIZABLE)
BEST FOR:
TOURISM BASED COMPANIES
OUTDOOR PRODUCT & APPAREL COMPANIES
FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE COMPANIES
OUTDOOR GUIDE SCHOOLS AND PROGRAMS
WORKSHOP
BECOME AN OCEAN ADVOCATE
IN-PERSON OR ONLINE, ANY GROUP SIZE
This workshop covers:
Identifying the ocean issue you want to work on
Integrating the 3 areas of advocacy
Solution finding frameworks + communication strategies
Tools for self awareness, climate grief and eco-anxiety
Creating personal rituals to honour and connect with water
In this multi-session workshop, participants will be encouraged to pick one ocean conservation issue that they want to commit to for at least 6 months. We will cover the difference between advocacy and activism and the history of ocean stewardship. We will practice the skills advocacy calls for like effective communication and ways to reach the "unreachables." Participants will leave with a 6-month plan that includes how to look after their wellbeing while immersed in ocean conservation issues.
LENGTH: 3 SESSIONS, 1 HR EA
BEST FOR:
MULTI-DAY OCEAN RETREATS
STAFF & VOLUNTEER TRAININGS
WORKSHOP
Making Waves: Ocean-Art Therapy
IN-PERSON, ANY GROUP SIZE
This workshop covers:
Art activities inspired by the teachings of water
Using art as a tool for ocean advocacy and storytelling
Eco-art practices for grounding, processing, and connection
In this immersive workshop, participants will sharpen their observation skills—both inward and outward—by engaging their senses and shifting away from a human-centric perspective. Through guided exercises, we will follow water’s invitation to create from a place of flow, exploring its rhythms, resilience, and wisdom. Participants are encouraged to work with any medium that speaks to them, from natural materials like rocks and shells to painting, writing, or photography. This is a space for reflection, creativity, and deepening our relationship with the ocean through art.
LENGTH: 1 - 2 HRS Depending on activity (customizable)
BEST FOR:
OCEAN BASED RETREATS
STAFF & VOLUNTEER TEAM BONDING
WORKSHOP
visual storytelling for change
IN-PERSON OR ONLINE, ANY GROUP SIZE
This workshop covers:
The types of images, graphics, and art needed to tell a full and compelling story
How to integrate calls to action that inspire engagement and change
Key communication principles for impactful visual storytelling
Different types of campaigns and art projects—and how they connect to emotion
In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore how visual storytelling can drive ocean advocacy and conservation efforts. We’ll break down the essential components of an effective visual narrative, from the images that evoke emotion to the messaging that compels action. Through real-world examples, we’ll examine different types of campaigns and creative projects, learning how they are designed to resonate with audiences on an emotional level. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how to craft visuals that not only tell a story but also spark meaningful change.
LENGTH: 1 - 2 HRS Depending on location and group size (customizable)
BEST FOR:
SPECIAL OFFERING WITH AN OUTDOOR OUTFITTER
LUNCH AND LEARNS
WEBINARS
ONE ON ONE
ALL OF MY WORKSHOPS ARE TAUGHT WITH THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF, GRATITUDE AND RESPECT FOR THE ORIGINAL, INDIGENOUS STEWARDS OF THE LAND WE ARE ON, WETHER THAT IS ON TURTLE ISLAND (CANADA) OR ABROAD.
The principles of intersectional environmentalism are built into all of my workshops. A portion of my rate goes to an Indigenous-led environmental organization related to the area we are working in.
These are flexible workshops that can be made to fit into existing schedules.
If you are looking for a combination or a specialized workshop for your group, I am happy to work with you to create something custom that fits your group's needs and goals.
RELATED CREDENTIALS
MARINE MAMMAL NATURALIST
MERS
UN ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME
MARINE LITTER EXPERT
NATURE SCHOOL CONNECT
ECO-ART THERAPY
Speaking, Panels and Interviews
I’m always excited to share stories, insights, and conversations that spark change. Whether through speaking engagements, panels or interviews, I bring a thoughtful, experience-driven perspective to topics like meaningful storytelling for impact, women in outdoor and conservation photography, and the intersection of creativity and chronic illness.
My work in ocean conservation has led me to explore the realities of plastic pollution, its impact on marine life, women’s health, socio-economic issues and tourism. I also speak on the history of protected areas in so-called Canada, the role of reciprocity in conservation and how eco-art can help shift our extractive relationship with nature. With a background in storytelling and advocacy, I aim to create conversations that inspire action, deepen connections, and make complex topics accessible. If you're interested in collaborating, I'd love to connect.
Any QUESTIONS?
Curious about a workshop and my rates? Interested in booking or collaborating? Send me a message, or email me at:
nikkeydawn@gmail.com