Pember: 'Chief Illiniwek' tradition finally dies

Monday, February 26, 2007  

"The University of Illinois' Chief Illiniwek mascot performed his last traditional dance Wednesday, and it's about time.

The mascot's supporters have argued that the chief and his dance are a valuable tradition, inspiring students for more than 80 years.

But labeling an activity a tradition does not make it right. Many traditions in our culture, often conducted in the spirit of good, clean fun by well-intentioned citizens, have been retired because they are no longer appropriate.

The chief's dance and goofy face paint were a burlesque rendition of American Indian dancing. How could such a performance be interpreted as a gesture of honor for Indians by anyone other than an intoxicated frat boy?

If a mascot had a tradition of performing in black face at athletic games, we would not be witnessing such a public debate. The practice would have been ended years ago because people would have understood the inappropriateness of such an act.

With our lack of economic and political power, however, Indians are among the last ethnic groups that are still fair game for public disrespect."

Get the Story:
Mary Annette Pember: Here's a happy goodbye to an Indian mascot (The Billings Gazette 2/26)

NCAA Update:
Status of Indian Mascot Policy (April 28, 2006)

NCAA Executive Committee Decision:
Native American Mascot Appeals Decisions (April 28, 2006)

NCAA Policy on Indian Mascots:
NCAA Executive Committee Issues Guidelines for Use of Native American Mascots at Championship Events (August 5, 2005)

Relevant Links:
Chief Illiniwek, University of Illinois - http://www.uiuc.edu/dialogue/index.html
Retire the Chief - http://www.retirethechief.org

Related Stories:
Harjo: Nothing honorable about 'Chief Illiniwek' (2/23)
Novak: 'Chief Illiniwek' honored Native people (2/22)
Column: Not all Native people honored by mascots (2/22)
Column: Mascots disempower Native Americans (2/22)
Opinions: 'Chief Illiniwek' going out like Custer (2/21)
Column: It's finally the end for 'Chief llliniwek' (2/20)
Tim Giago: 'Chief Illiniwek' does his last dance (2/19)
Oglala Sioux Tribe welcomes end of 'Chief' mascot (2/19)
University retires 'Chief Illiniwek' performances (2/16)
Opponents of 'Chief Illiniwek' rally on campus (2/2)
No charges over threat to Indian student in Illinois (1/30)
Natives thriving off-reserve in Western Canada (1/26)
Editorial: It's time to put 'Chief Illiniwek' to rest (1/24)
School says 'Chief Illiniwek' headdress was returned (1/22)
Oglala Sioux Tribe denounces 'Chief Illiniwek' (1/19)
Oglala Sioux Tribe seeks return of 'Chief' regalia (1/18)
Native students threatened over 'Chief Illiniwek' (1/17)
Editorial: Go to court to protect 'Chief Illiniwek' (11/20)
No action taken on 'Chief Illiniwek' in Illinois (11/10)
Column: It's time to get rid of 'Chief Illiniwek' (10/12)
Illinois court rejects lawsuit againt Chief Illiniwek (09/20)
University said to drop 'Chief Illiniwek' as mascot (08/31)
School files another appeal to save Chief Illiniwek (02/01)
Editorial: 'Chief Illiniwek' a sacred symbol (11/21)
NCAA allows 'Illini' but rejects 'Chief Illiniwek' (11/14)
Column: Tribes have right to oppose 'Chief Illiniwek' (09/15)
University of Illinois trustee blasts NCAA policy (08/17)
Illiniwek 'chiefs' say they are proud of tradition (04/22)
Drunk Student: Chief Illiniwek is not offensive to Natives (04/07)
Native lawyers file lawsuit against Chief Illiniwek (03/16)
Chief Illiniwek relegated to sidelines for games (3/11)
Column: Chief Illiniwek mascot inappropriate (12/02)
Opinion: Chief Illiniwek will take his last dance soon (09/15)
University board to discuss fate of Chief Illiniwek (06/17)
Anti-Chief Illiniwek activists stage sit-in at college (04/19)
Students support keeping Chief Illiniwek mascot (03/19)
School to poll students on Chief Illiniwek mascot (03/11)
Chief Illiniwek battle an especially harsh one (12/16)
Alumni support didn't drop after mascot change (2/20)
Editorial: Stop 'pussyfooting' on Chief Illiniwek (11/17)
Commentary: Don't get rid of Chief Illiniwek (11/13)
'Chief' school opens Native American House (02/07)
Ill. mascot foes awarded $5,000 (07/23)
Ex-school official faces suit in mascot case (5/29)
Students vote to retire Illiniwek (5/3)
Retain or retire, but no apology for 'Chief' (3/14)
Chief Illiniwek report released (3/13)
Editorial: Rethink mascot opposition (3/7)
Illiniwek foes win round in court (4/6)
Church gives money to Chief Illiniwek foes (2/8)