Bring play to life with our Indigenous Small World Set, a meaningful and beautifully crafted collection of animal figures designed to nurture children’s connection to culture, community, and the natural world. Created in collaboration with Alexandra Couchie, a proud member of Nipissing First Nation, each piece features her original artwork inspired by traditional woodland styles and storytelling.

Perfect for small world play, loose parts setups, inquiry learning, or classroom discussions about Indigenous perspectives, this set invites children to explore identity, ecosystems, and empathy through open-ended, imaginative play.

Crafted from durable wood and printed on both sides, each figure—from the soaring eagle to the wise turtle—offers sensory-rich, tactile learning experiences while celebrating the land and its inhabitants. This set is an invitation to foster respect, curiosity, and cultural inclusion through early childhood education.

What’s Included:

• 12 Indigenous animal pieces: bear, eagle, turtle, salmon, horse, fox, bison, moose, butterfly, crow, beaver, wolf

• Original artwork by Alexandra Couchie

• Double-sided printing on sustainably sourced wood

• Eco-friendly and durable finish

Key Benefits:

• Promotes Diversity & Inclusion: Introduces children to Indigenous perspectives and fosters cultural awareness

• Connects to Nature: Encourages respect and stewardship of the land

• Supports Early Development: Builds vocabulary, storytelling skills, and emotional connections

• Tactile & Open-Ended: Perfect for sensory play, small world setups, or classroom provocations

• Language-Rich Play: Inspires dialogue around Indigenous knowledge, animal symbolism, and belonging

Usage Ideas:

• Integrate with light tables, story baskets, or natural loose parts

• Pair with books or songs during Indigenous History Month or National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

• Use in dramatic play areas to prompt storytelling and imaginative learning

• Add to outdoor learning spaces for land-based inquiry

Specifications:

• Material: Sustainably sourced wood

• Finish: Non-toxic, child-safe ink and sealant

• Size: Varies by animal (approx. 3–5” wide)

• Age: 3+

• Artist: Alexandra Couchie, Nipissing First Nation