In Ojibwa (Chippewa) culture, a dreamcatcher is a handmade object based on a hoop (traditionally made of willow), incorporating a loose net, and decorated with items unique to the particular dreamcatcher.

Traditionally, the Ojibwa construct dreamcatchers by tying sinew strands in a web around a small round or tear-shaped frame (in a way roughly similar to their method for making snowshoe webbing). The resulting "dream-catcher", hung above the bed, is then used as a charm to protect sleeping children from nightmares.

The Ojibwa believe that a dreamcatcher filters a person's dreams - the good in their dreams is captured in the web of life and carried with them, but the evil in their dreams escapes through the hole in the center of the web and is no longer a part of them. It is hung above their beds or in their home, to sift their dreams and visions.

Dreamcatcher are available maded by Cherokee, Mohawk, Navajo, & Ojibwa