Rama resident, Bob Williams, has set out to break the Guinness World Record for the largest dream catcher in the world, and with the support of his community, he may just achieve that goal in a few weeks.
Williams, a seasoned dream catcher maker, was inspired to create the massive dream catcher after seeing the current record holder in Lithuania. He believed that a true dream catcher should have feathers, which the Lithuanian one lacked. With the encouragement of a Sixties Scoop survivors crafting group, Williams began his journey to set a new world record.
With the help of several community members, local businesses, the community church, and the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, Williams was able to gather the supplies needed to construct the dream catcher. Originally planning to hang it in a tree, Chief Ted Williams and the council offered to install a metal stand at the John Snake Memorial Multipurpose Grounds.
The dream catcher, measuring over 30 meters wide and 18 meters tall, is made from sinew, willow, ash, and rope, weighing an estimated 2,000 pounds. Williams is currently finalizing his Guinness World Record submission with the help of community member Kathy Manners, and hopes to have it officially recognized in 12 weeks.
Despite not being fully complete yet, Williams is working diligently to perfect the dream catcher, aiming to make it perfectly round within the next two weeks. He credits the support of his sister and the community for helping him achieve this feat.
The dream catcher, adorned with an eagle feather at the top and 15-foot-long feathers at the bottom, is intended for people of all cultures to enjoy. Williams believes in the spiritual power of dream catchers, stating that they eliminate bad spirits and nightmares, providing a powerful energy that can keep the Rama First Nation community safe.
With its completion, Williams hopes the dream catcher will remain at the powwow grounds for as long as it can be maintained, serving as a symbol of unity and protection for all who encounter it.