The Chief
Letter

Include Native Americans

Letter | The Daily Illini
Published Friday, April 30, 2004

In my four years at the University of Illinois, I have witnessed the countless protests and debates over the fate of Chief Illiniwek. They have gotten us no closer to a solution to this matter than we were four years ago. Because of the intense emotions that surround this issue, neither side has given ground. Frankly, I have been surprised and dismayed that no compromises have been reached or, to my knowledge, attempted. So today, I propose a compromise that I hope will appease both sides.

I do not debate that the current characterized portrayal of the Chief is stereotypical and historically incorrect. Still, I propose we keep the Chief and ask a member of the Illini Indian tribes to accurately portray their culture.

The Illini Indians lived on this land for thousands of years before the coming of the Europeans. They were hard working and respected the land. The mounds at Cahokia show their technological achievements and their knowledge of the sciences. They bred the corn that now grows on Morrow Plots. They courageously and honorably resisted the Europeans who displaced them from their ancestral home despite being out-manned and outgunned. Respect, knowledge, courage, honor; these are all values that we as university students and human beings should respect and strive for. I cannot think of a better group to represent us as a university.

The few remnants of Indian culture that still exist in Illinois are place names. Dropping the Illini moniker is just another step toward completely erasing the Illini from the state of Illinois. I urge all sides to consider my proposal and allow us to move on to other important issues. In the end, the Illini Indians should have the ultimate decision, for it is their name that we are and would be taking.

Troy Stanger

senior in LAS

IMC employee