Leaders of the Oglala Sioux Tribe have asked the University of Illinois to return the regalia of its controversial mascot "Chief Illiniwek."

The regalia and eagle feathers worn by the student who portrays the mascot were a gift from Frank Fools Crow, a Lakota spiritual elder. Mel Lone Hill, one of Fools Crow's descendants, says the items have been used improperly.

Defenders of the "Chief" have cited the gift as proof that the mascot isn't offensive. But a resolution submitted by the tribe says the mascot's antics perpetuate "a degrading racial stereotype that reflects negatively on all American Indian people."

Get the Story:
Native American tribe demands return of Chief Illiniwek regalia (The Daily Illini 1/18)

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

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