Chief Illiniwek's Final Performance

On a sad day in the history of the University of Illinois, Chief Illiniwek performed for the last time on February 21st, 2007 at the senior night game for the Illini against the Michigan Wolverines. The Chief will be missed by many and always have a place in the hearts of the University of Illinois's students, alumni, and fans.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• University
• Illinois
• Chief
• Illiniwek
• Halftime
• Performance

[msuspartan94]

The NCAA administation is made up of abunch of ass holes

[trdcleveland858]

Who Bleed,Cryed And Suffered Thru Decades Of Injustice. I Don't Think A Native American Sports Nickname (Unless Redskins) Hurts Anybody. Illinois Was Paying Homage To The Illinwek,Peoria,Miami & Tamaroa Tribes. God Bless You Illinois And Always Remember To Represent The Tribes That Made This Country What It Is Today

[JD2012HBR]

Heres the fun part of this dance, the dancers all come from native american back grounds, the spend 6 - 10 weeks learning the traditional dances and suchlikes, then buy all real native american stuff... I miss you chief.

[hawkgirl62]

Sadly, a lot of negative words here. I loved the spirit that this college tradition brought to a community. I don't believe that the representation was ever meant in a malicious way, nor meant to malign anyone. Really people, peace out a little please!

[rail64]

SHAME forever on Illinois for getting rid of this proud and honored traditon. PC can go to hell!! I am class of 67 but have renounced my university because of this...

[Maxim86]

How is it racist? It's become so easy to toss out the word racist in any situation that I think people have actually lost touch with what it really means. Also, its not always a white guy portraying the Chief. Race is never a factor when choosing the next. There have been several Latinos and a Filipino who have portrayed him. But back to my original point, how exactly is it racist? Thank you by the way for showing at least some sort of understanding for the other side of the issue.

[dietsnapple89]

well I believe the Chief's dance and the Idea of having a white guy do the dance and dress up as a "Native American" racist, but as a Student at the University I truly believe the students respect the Chief and would like learn more about Native American culture. So I agree with getting rid of the dance but not so of the mascot itself.And contrary to popular belief, you cannot get rid of the "fighting" in fighting Illini because the Fighting is a reference to illinois soldiers of world war 1.

[ekvcate]

Aw, did you get your little "wanna-be" feelings hurt? You got your mascot taken away. Imagine what it must have been like to have your families killed or imprisoned, your children taken away, or the land where your ancestors are buried taken away. The chief was based on no real tradition other than people who were not even proud of who they were ethnically, so they had to assume someone else's identity that was more honorable than their own.

[str8hoopin87]

You're a tool. Anyone who views this as anything but a respectful tradition is an idiot. People aren't pointing and laughing but showing respect. Get over yourself it's a tradition at a basketball game. Maybe people like you could have used this as a way of educating sportsfans about the plight of the Native Americans; instead the PC police came and pissed off another large group of people. RIP another great sports tradition thanks to self indulging pricks like yourself.

[ekvcate]

The former chief is a fake tradition, where little boys and girls who never grew out of their Peter Pan childhood get to play Indian. 1. Rationalize = "to bring into accord with reason". 2. Communist = "one who engages in revolutionary activities." My revolutionary activities include educating people beyond racist activities. Get a little education, then let's talk some more.

[mspell350]

I pray this country gets its collective head out of its a**, and respects great traditions like The Chief. Rationalize your idiotic position all you want you are still a Communist POS.