The Spirit of the Chief walks the Arroyo Seco

The debate about Chief Illiniwek has quieted the past few months since "The Last Dance."  For those of us who see it as another tradition buckling under the weight of political correctness, it still is an open sore.  The opponents of the Chief called the University's symbol "racist."  The NCAA deemed that Illinois would be unable to host NCAA functions due to the hostile environment created by his 7 minute performance with the band during halftimes of football and basketball games.  Led by a University professor and a very vocal "MINORITY," the Chief danced for the last time at the final home basketball game in February of 2007.

To those of us who disagree with the capitulation to the "anti-Chief" minority, the trip to the Rose Bowl is emblematic that the fight is not yet over.  Thousands of Illini Nation will be wearing Illinois gear with the Chief symbol on New Year's Day.  Our great and reverent symbol was taken away in 2007 because Illini Nation has no tribe to "payoff" (see Florida State payments to the Seminole tribe of Florida).  The "Illini" were not a tribe as in the typical sense, i.e. Navajo, Sioux, etc.  The Illini were a federation of various Indian people who came together to share their talents to make life better for all those involved.  Sounds a lot like the University that I attended some 30 years ago.  Various people coming together to learn from and improve the lives of others.

As Illini Nation gathers on the hallowed ground of the Arroyo Seco and Rose Bowl this coming new year, the spirit of Chief Illiniwek walks with them.  After the Marching Illini Band finishes "3-in-1" (3 school songs played as one long song) you will hear the Rose Bowl filled with Illini Nation saying "Chief, Chief" deep voiced and loud.  It's a tradition that as of yet, the vocal minority has not been able to take from proud Illini everywhere...

RoA