Controversy While many people find dream catchers beautiful and the protective intention behind them compelling, they’ve caused some controversy over the years. Some people feel that the use of dream catchers outside of Native culture is a form of cultural appropriation, particularly when non-Natives profit from the sale of Native-inspired crafts. Legality became an issue as well. As dream catchers became increasingly popular with the New Age crowd starting in the 1970s, some unscrupulous crafters were passing off their wares as “genuine Native American” crafts, marketing them as being made by a particular tribe, for example. Congress passed the Indian Arts and Crafts Act in 1990, making it illegal to falsely advertise that Native American-inspired artwork, such as pottery, baskets, jewelry, and totemic items like dream catchers, was made by Native Americans when it was not.

Controversy over cultural appropriation doesn’t mean non-Natives can’t appreciate and display Native arts and crafts like dream catchers. When approached in a way that respects the history and culture behind the craft and recognizes the artisan, hanging dream catchers can be a beautiful way to honor the people whose rich tapestry of beliefs carpeted this land long before European settlement.