This is just the coolest thing. My dad went to U of I for a year before transferring to Northwestern. But he always talks about the Chief and the U of I Alma Mater. We have to quit allowing the tail to wag the dog. Taking away the Chief would be like ending our tradition at Tennessee of "Running Through the T." People would quit going to football games. Bring Back The Chief!
Honor the Chief and the Tradition for Which He Stands. I saw the Chief dance when I was three years old and I am now a proud student at the University of Illinois. To many alumni and students on campus, he is not a mascot. The Chief is a symbol of pride and honor. When you hear Memorial Stadium cheer for the Chief at halftime you realize even though he is gone, he will never be forgotten. Long live the Chief
For my beloved spouse who was an IIlini alumna who died on 1Nov 21. She loved the Chief and cried after this performance. The Chief's portrait is in my (our) den.
@illinimarine7 The Chief will never die. He's a tradition that will simply NEVER be erased. He just made an appearance at the homecoming game vs. Northwestern.
Ya'll know what the saddest thing is, it's that so many generations to come won't get to see this tradition and awesome honor to the Illinois tribes. BRING BACK THE CHIEF!!!!!!!!!!
What got to me in this video were the folded arms. I've seen the Chief since my childhood. His folded arms have always to me suggested authority and dignity. I was delighted to see fans following his lead on his last day.
As a Buckeye fan, it saddened me to see the University of Illinois and the Big Ten Conference lost one of its more memorable Traditions the night Chief Illiniwek performed for the last time.
Some of my most iconic memories as a child was watching Chief at basketball games and Football games! Long live Chief Illiniwek!! Ik the country was losing itself when they started taking Indian mascots away from teams all over
During the late 60s, early 70s, i was a driver for the air force red cross. I drove many guys to these games and to see the chief do his many dances were exciteing times. His last dance was movieing and sad as that was his last dance. I say " bring him back ". The Illini need to be inspired again !!!! Chief, wherever you are, come back !! We love you !!
I'm a Michigan alum who loved the Chief.I think he was a tribute to our national heritage regardless of the accuracy of attire or dance. Native American culture is something we should admire. Look at our history...then do you want to call yourself a Cowboy, 49'r, Sooner,even a Patriot? How did these invaders treat the native residents?
Is there any way to get a MP3 file of the song from 1:58 through 5:20 of this video. I would just download the audio from that part of the video but I would like a better sounding MP3 of the song.
Growing up in Pontiac, IL, I can never forget the 'Pontiac Indian' girl. She was a fixture at the start of our football games for the three years I attended good ole PTHS. Boy, she was something. So beautiful and ritualistic in her 'dance'. What a memory. Thanks for sharing this fabulous video Linda!
The symbol of The Chief has inspired more than he has alienated. I have stood for human dignity all of my life. There is no stand to take on The Chief other than a rich tradition of Illinois athletics, entusiasm and loyalty. He is a SYMBOL not a MASCOT. Get over yourselves.
As I read some of the negative comments here, I wonder, "why are they watching this". The NCAA can ban the Chief as well as the Admin,., but this tape (and others) will go on forever.
I mean personally I was linked this video as part of a Native American history class, specifically regarding the racist and stereotypical portrayal of Natives and how it negatively impacts them and their connection to their culture but go off I guess
@kclove121 The dance was NOT an authentic American Indian dance and just because someone is Native American, it 1.) does not mean that they understand and have respect for the original significance of something like the headdress or even an authentic dance AND 2.) also does not mean they are not perpetuating stereotypes and oversimplifications about a group of people
@wss355 - That's because Chief Illiniwek was the university's symbol, not their mascot. EA Sports did, however, have the Chief erroneously dancing on the sidelines of NCAA Basketball 05 (or 06). They removed it the following year.
Why? This is the most beautiful and most honoring tribute to our Native American Brothers and sisters. It is suppose to be an honor and not something to throw away. It shows the strength, fortitude and greatness of our brothers and sisters who have always lived in this land. I love the Chief and I cry at not having him anymore. My precious grandmother was part Native American and I loved her with all my heart. She was an angel on earth.
Troy, they are mistreated terribly. My daughter worked with the Navajo nation 3 summers and she loved them dearly. I am very pro Native American. But, I am not a legislator.
If the University really honors and respects Native American culture then why don't they have a dedicated department to the study of Native Americans? One would think that an institution whose mission is that of higher learning would not only support in name the symbols of Native Americans (ie Chief) but more importantly its academic pursuit.
You do realize that everyone claims to be Cherokee, correct? Sorry, don't believe you! Also, you don't find it offense because you aren't Cherokee.. meaning you don't practice the culture.
In Oxford, MS, they had a white hero at a predominately white university. The University of Mississippi is called the Rebels to honor Co. A, 11th Mississippi Vol. Infantry, which was made up of students who fought (and largely died) for their homes. The Colonel was a cartoon-like character to remember them and a local university supporter from the Thirties. The Colonel has been banished by the same crowd that banned the Chief. (BTW: I AM from the University of Mississippi class of 1987.)
The Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma are the closest living descendants of the Illiniwek Confederacy, having been relocated to Oklahoma in the 19th century. The position of the tribal leadership has evolved over the years. In a television interview with WICD-TV in 1995, Don Giles, then Chief of the Peoria Tribe, said, "To say that we are anything but proud to have these portrayals would be completely wrong. We are proud. We're proud that the University of Illinois, the flagship university of the state, a seat of learning, is drawing on that background of our having been there. And what more honor could they pay us?" Supporting Chief Giles was another tribal elder, Ron Froman, who stated that the protesters "don't speak for all Native Americans, and certainly not us.
You are severely miss-characterizing what the tribal leadership feels. Majority of the Peoria Nation finds him insulting. You dishonor Chief Illinwek by parading your impostor around like he was an animal. The Chief was honorable and lead an entire people.
I am Native American and never found anything wrong with the mascots. Not like anyone was the Chickenshit Cherokee or the Ballless Blackhawk. They were the FIGHTING ILLINI.
Sorry to have offended you, soldier. Thank you for your service. I deeply regret that the memory of that valiant company cannot be honored. They, and their peers (blue and gray), deserve much better. Anything that will honor the spirit of an honorable culture should be given respect and attention.
Screw the NCAA for getting rid of this mascot. Chief Illiniwek was one of my absolute favorite mascots and his dance was one of the best traditions in all of collegiate athletics.
@pujolsankielfan actually, the NCAA tried to make FSU stop using there mascot, but the seminole tirbe sued the NCAA because they actually wanted the college to continue to use the mascot
ok guido, you obviously didnt realize i was talking about the costume being sioux. that outfit itself has nothing to do with the Illiniwek tribe i guarantee you. i am also not a 'squawkboy,' so nice detective work there bud.
This was a legitimate way of preserving and honoring native american (Sioux, in this case) culture and dance and integrating it into U.S. culture. The dance the mascot performs is an actual adaptation. It was even treated with utmost respect as you can plainly see in the video by the solemnness of the audience. I also heard there were rules, or at least discouragements, against making any sort of rude gesture toward the dance, such as booing or mocking. Aaand then it went and got canceled because... offensive?? Erasing any attempt at preserving native american culture only pulls their cultural identity into obscurity. That's how I see it at least.
American Indian, Canadian Indian, Native American, Indigenous People's, which ever you prefer, Our Cultures and Traditions are not Mascots or Logos, We are a people. We're not sensitive, we're tired of people using our culture.
Ahh . . . poor Chief. I was at school in the 90's when this was gathering steam. Honestly, I never got it. I always looked at the Chief like any other fictional character, a mascot who was there to get the crowd amped up. He was no more real to me than a pirate, or a leprechaun, or a gladiator, or any other college mascot. Since when are mascots supposed to be real, or realistic?
@BreakinGuitarz33 The dance was created after students studied the native Americas, and was later “edited” if you will by some Native Americas. But, each student who was the chief was allowed to change parts of it, making it their own. I realize now that I was wrong to say the Native Americans taught it, and I am sorry for that. I don’t think chief Illiniwek was that offensive, unlike our nation’s capitals NFL football team, the Red Skins. I think that is ridiculous.
To me, the fact that the Chief is now gone shows how ignorant most of the anti-Chief people were acting. It was never some random kid. To be Chief, you had to audition, study, and learn the dance. Being asian, people tell me I should imagine what it would be like is someone ran out there in a coolie hat and started bowing. Not the same thing! A comparable image would be if someone studied how to do the dragon dance and danced with the dragon on the court. I wouldn't mind that at all.
The chief maybe wasn't politically correct but he was never meant to be a joke, and really the majority of the indians that are asked don't really care about indian mascots its just the few that do really stick out. The only thing that needs to change in the world of indian mascots is the Cleveland Indians logo because that is meant to be a joke. As for the chief, he should be looked at as a tribute to all native americans in general. Long live the chief.
It took you almost two years to realize that. While I understand that others view Chief Illiniwek as a disrespectful image, I am appalled by the NCAA's decision to strip the University of Illinois of, not only their mascot and logo but, the spirit and honor that comes with being part of such a great asset to central Illinois. May the Chief live forever.
apparently Chief Osceola has of FSU has the blessing of the seminole tribe, Illiniwek's regalia he is wearing is Sioux. There is no sioux in Illinois. I love the Chief as well but i seriously think that he isn't hostile or racist as some people claim. You might as well call Notre dame Fighting Irish offensive, i'm sure that irish people aren't always pissed and want to fight. But seriously bring back the chief it's a university tradition, it will make the Big 10 more exciting with that mascot.
I hate to say it but this was (to me) just a clear and present way of "Sticking it to 'em". I firmly believe this. I am of Irish decent and don't get angry at the fighting Irish logo of a leprechaun and I don't get mad at the vikings emblem. This "Victory" was just a PC tactic to appease a few and damn the majority. PERIOD!
I don't see how that is true since the dance was developed with the help/instruction/input of the Illini Nation and Chief Illiniwek to stay true to the tradition of the people of the Illini Nation. I think it is/was an example of multi-culturalism and displaying other people's beliefs and cultures.
I don't want to add fuel to this fight, but I thought I would share a story. I'm one quarter (Cherokee). My father's father is full blooded. We live in Illinois and attending U of I games was one of my grandfather's favorite activities. I was with him at one of his last games in 97. After the 3 in 1 I looked over to him and he had teared up. He told me that watching so many people cheer and show reverence for a Native American made him so proud. Not all Native Americans think alike.
Okay, I'm sick of all this. So what if it's racist. So what if you 20% of native americans don't like it. We love the chief, and We'll still continue to wear chief shirts and put the chief wherever we can find an excuse to. Live with it!
all they were doing was respecting the tribe, but the tribes always think its disrespectful. the university took it seriously, the students took it seriously-they were crying- thats why no one spoke when he performed. Now we dont have the Chief, and north dakota state doesnt have a mascot, because of the people we were trying to respect in the first place took it the wrong way.
Because apparently the Seminole Tribe of Florida has fiercely supported and defended the mascot's use. They consider "Chief Osceola" to be extremely respectful and a symbol of their people's power. They even invite the student in the costume to their annual celebrations.
Fucking A man, I woud support that..it is somewhat true, at least it is better than that guy prancing around, but still you have to admit some of the people who were the mascots had some great footwork, but others eh not so much.
@BreakinGuitarz33 you obviously have no idea what your talkn about man. this is tradition and its not making a mockery out of "the Natives". Everyone at U of I loves and respects and loves the Chief.
reason it is offensive its not native american guy dancing and that person dancing is dancing gymnastic moves not regular native american moves insulting indians also the costume as well
michael sharp That isn't the point you should go on. you need to look at intention. the chief was loved and respected by all students, and never made fun of. That's much more than what can be said of other schools with Native American mascots.
Yep, very emotional issue all around. I come from a three generation family (possibly a fourth this fall) of Illinois alumni. One of my best friends in school portrayed the Chief in the 80's, and I accompanied him when he addressed several schools and Boy Scout groups. Kids blew off recess for Q&A. This issue was always been handled with total respect and deference to the Illini nation, a true symbol of the University, not a mascot. Where does this end? Do we change the name of the entire state?
Well, it is silly to argue about The Chief since he's gone. It cracks me up that the students still yell "CHIEEEEF" as if he were still out there on the court/field. ;) All school mascots are supposed to represent something noble, strong . . . because the whole point of a mascot is to rally school pride. It doesn't matter if the mascot is an animal or a knight in armor or a cowboy or an indian. They are intended to represent something noble, so in that context, how can they offend?
