Welcome to Naturally Inspired Play! We are Nick and Katelyn Pittman, proud owners of this family-run business, nestled in the heart of Strathroy, Ontario.
Our inspiration comes from observing our boys play in the woods, where every fallen branch became a sword, every rock a treasure, and every tree a fortress. Those precious moments of unstructured play in nature unleashed their wild side, allowing their imaginations to run free. We loved that we could build them things that could withstand their exuberant play - so different to the commercial plastic toys that would bring them joy for a moment, but almost always end up quickly broken and in the garbage.
With this realization, Naturally Inspired Play was born. Starting as a hobby in our garage, moving to the growing business it is today. Our mission is simple: to provide children with natural wooden toys that ignite their creativity, nurture their imagination, and invite them to embrace the world around them.
Our toys are crafted from natural wood, carefully chosen for its durability, safety, and environmental sustainability. Many of the toys and play structures that you’ll find in the shop are based on our kids’ ideas. We develop prototypes and our kids test them - if something doesn’t work quite right or make sense, they are quick to point it out. We have lots of fun going through product testing together and all share in the accomplishment and pride of the finalized products.
We take pride in our minimal waste production, ensuring that our commitment to the planet aligns seamlessly with our dedication to children's play. Time is spent ensuring all cuttings, shavings and scrap pieces are put to use for other purposes.
Our products are designed to replicate the magic of those woodland adventures, encouraging children to explore, dream, and create without limits. Whether you live in the heart of a bustling city or on a rural homestead, Naturally Inspired Play brings a piece of nature to your doorstep. Our products are independently tested for safety at Cambridge Material Testing Limited in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. We believe that every child, regardless of their surroundings, deserves the opportunity to safely experience the wonder of the great outdoors.
Warmly,
Nick and Katelyn Pittman
Owners, Naturally Inspired Play
We acknowledge that our business in Strathroy, Ontario, is situated on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Neutral (Attawandaron) peoples. This area is covered by Treaty 29, also known as the Huron Tract Purchase, signed in 1827. (ontario.ca)
About the Local Indigenous Peoples:
- Anishinaabe: A group of culturally related Indigenous peoples, including the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi nations. They have a rich history of storytelling, art, and a deep spiritual connection to the land.
- Haudenosaunee (Iroquois): Known as the "People of the Longhouse," this confederacy originally consisted of six nations: Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora. They are renowned for their sophisticated political system and contributions to democratic governance.
- Neutral (Attawandaron): An Iroquoian-speaking nation that inhabited the region between the Huron and Iroquois confederacies. They were known for their neutrality in conflicts between neighboring nations and their role as intermediaries in trade.
Resources for Further Learning:
- Map of Ontario Treaties and Reserves: Provides detailed information on treaties, including Treaty 29. (ontario.ca)
- Traditional Territory Acknowledgements in Ontario: Offers guidance on crafting land acknowledgments and understanding the significance of various treaties. (ofl.ca)
- Encyclopedia of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy): A comprehensive resource detailing the history, culture, and contributions of the Haudenosaunee peoples. (academia.edu)
Supporting Indigenous-Owned Businesses:
- Indigenous Business Directories: If you would like to learn more about Indigenous-owned businesses in Strathroy or Ontario, the Indigenous Thrive and Indigenous Services Canada directories can help connect you to local Indigenous goods and services. (indigenousthrive.com, sac-isc.gc.ca)
Resources for Educating Children on Indigenous Peoples:
- The Orange Shirt Society: This organization provides child-friendly educational resources, including videos and books, that teach children about residential schools, reconciliation, and the significance of Orange Shirt Day. (orangeshirtday.org)
- Indigenous Canada – Kids' Edition: Offered by the University of Alberta, this is a family-friendly adaptation of their Indigenous Canada course, providing accessible content to help children learn about Indigenous cultures and history. (ualberta.ca)
Recognizing the enduring presence and contributions of these Indigenous communities is essential in honoring their history and culture.