what were dream catchers originally meant for

Marcia explained that our ancestors used the making of the dream catcher as part of a healing journey. It is also very telling.Īctually, the true origins of the dream catcher has to do with healing and a complex process that revolved around the making of this item.

Christopher, the patron saint of travellers in their cars. Strangely, most First Nation people I know from up the coast have a picture of Jesus, an image of the cross or St. The funny thing is that most white people I know have these dream catchers in their cars for some kind of protection from accidents I imagine. I always just thought they were Native craft work that had something to do with keeping bad dreams away. My first knowledge of the dream catcher is similar I imagine to most other people. I met her at the annual Wabun Youth Gathering where she was providing teachings on the dream catcher. This summer I learned much about dream catchers from Marcia Martel-Brown of Brunswick House First Nation. My elders have been able to tell me something about those days but most of my learning has come from traditional elders, healers, medicine men and people who have a more intricate knowledge of the ancestors.

It was surprising to me that we had a spiritual way, culture and traditions before the coming of the European. I did not really understand when I was young that it had not always been that way.

The missionaries had brought this belief to the people of the James Bay coast and to Native people right across North and South America. We were brought up with a spiritual belief that was really more religious and based on the Roman Catholic faith. When I was growing up in Attawapiskat I rarely had the opportunity to learn about Native culture and traditions. I always learn so much when my walk leads to someone with a lot of knowledge about my people and their traditions and culture. I was lucky to meet some very interesting traditional First Nation people this summer.

What were dream catchers originally meant for