When French explorers first journeyed down from Canada to the upper Mississippi Valley in the early Seventeenth Century, they found the region inhabited by a vigorous, populous Algonquin nation who called themselves "Hileni" or "Illiniwek," which means "men." This, the French explorers rendered as "Illinois." The University of Illinois was established in the year 1867. Soon after, it began fielding athletic teams named the "Fighting Illini."

The origin of “Illini” was as a variant of “Illinois.” Those who used it were aware that Illinois as the name of an Indian people, and they drew on that association when they referred to Illinois or to Illini, but they clearly meant to echo the name of the state.

The term “Illini” appears first to have been applied to the student newspaper in 1874, then to students and alumni of the University, then to its athletic teams. Use of the term “Illini” by the University predates Chief Illiniwek by 50 years, and while the origins are common, “Illini” is a part of the Urbana-Champaign campus’ continuing heritage, and not tied exclusively to the Chief Illiniwek tradition.

The expression "Illiniwek" was first used in conjunction with the University of Illinois by Football Coach Bob Zuppke in the mid-1920's. Coach Zuppke was a philosopher and historian by training and inclination, and he was intrigued by the concept the Illini peoples held about their identity and aspirations. They spoke a dialect of the Algonquin language and used the term "Illiniwek" to refer to "the complete human being-the strong, agile human body; the unfettered human intellect; the indomitable human spirit."

As a reminder of our only common geographical ancestor, Chief Illiniwek reminds us of the high ideals of the First Nation people who made up the Illini confederation of tribes for which the state of Illinois is named. The Illini tribes took their sustenance from the same land we share today. Although the original Illini disappeared from the region long ago, one way that they are remembered through the Chief Illiniwek tradition at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Over the years, the Chief Illiniwek tradition has had continued endorsement of Native American descendents. Since the tradition's inception in 1926, there has been considerable support for the Chief by Native American leaders, including several that trace their lineage to the original Illini tribes.

In 2002, a Peter Harris Research Group poll showed that 81% of Native Americans support the use of Indian nicknames in high school and college sports, and 83% of Native Americans support the use of Indian mascots and symbols in professional sports. The accompanying commentary concluded that the “poll suggests that although Native American activists are virtually united in opposition to the use of Indian nicknames and mascots, the Native American population sees the issue far differently.”

In September 2004, the University of Pennsylvania’s National Annenberg Election Survey reported the results of a year-long poll which showed that the vast majority of American Indians say that calling Washington’s professional football team the “Redskins” does not bother them (90% of Indians took that position, while 9% said they found the name “offensive”).

On October 30th, 1926, Chief Illiniwek made his first appearance at Memorial Stadium. Portrayed by co-creator Lester Leutwiler, the Chief thrilled a crowd of nearly 60,000 spectators with an authentic Indian dance during half time of a football game against Penn State. The original dance was based on Leutwiler's Eagle Scout studies. It has evolved over the years to make its movements more visible to spectators, and is similar to the "fancy dancing" that is part of some Native American celebrations.

Opponents of the tradition have charged that the dance of Chief Illiniwek burlesques Native American religion and, thus, is demeaning. Today, Native American gatherings, called "pow wows," held across this country include elaborate dance competitions in which Native Americans and others who dress as Native Americans dance side-by-side. Prizes may be awarded, not for authenticity or religious intent, but for the beauty of the attire and skill of the dancers.

It would be wrong to call the art of Native American dancing inherently demeaning if performed by a non-Native American, even in a more public venue. Certainly, the evidence from Native American gatherings does not justify the claim of sacrilege.

The current regalia worn by the Chief is authentic and reflects the dress of the Plains Indians. The Illini tribes were of a much earlier culture, and less is known about their style of dress, however, it is believed to be simpler and less ornate than that used to portray Chief Illiniwek today.

There is no evidence that this noble symbol has created a racist or hostile climate. Actually, there are several facts to the contrary: *In 1980, 8% of the undergraduate population of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign was identified as minorities. Today, that number has risen to 26.1%. Within the Big Ten, the University of Illinois ranks consistently among the top three in terms of minority undergraduates.
*Minority tenured and tenure-track faculty has increased by 100% since 1990. In that same time period, the number of minority academic professionals has increased by 75%.
*According to the 1990 U.S. Census, 0.2% of the population in the State of Illinois identified itself as "American Indian." That percentage is identical to the current number of Native American students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
*Following a 20-month investigation, the decision of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights (11/30/95) concluded that there was insufficient evidence to show that a racially hostile environment existed at the University.

In 1990, the University of Illinois Board of Trustees confirmed Chief Illiniwek as the symbol of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Ten years later, discussion about appropriateness of the honored symbol once again surfaced. Through open dialogue, considerable study, and public discourse, the Board of Trustees has worked diligently to devise a solution that will end the debate about the Chief Illiniwek tradition on the UIUC campus.

As Former Trustee Roger Plummer reported in March 2002, the issue does not lend itself to a compromise, a comfortable middle ground that would satisfy the various constituencies. To that end, it was appropriate for the Board of Trustees to adopt a resolution to find a consensus “in a manner that best serves the university rather than particular interest groups, is acceptable to a large majority of the university’s constituencies and brings finality to the subject.”

For 80 years, the Chief has been the symbol of the spirit of a great university and of our intercollegiate athletic teams, and as such is loved by the people of Illinois. The University considers the symbol to be dignified and has treated it with respect. His ceremonial dance is performed with grace and beauty.

Chief Illiniwek embodies the attributes valued by alumni, students, and friends of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The tradition of the Chief is a link to our great past, a tangible symbol of an intangible spirit, filled with qualities to which a person of any background can aspire: goodness, strength, bravery, truthfulness, courage, and dignity.

The Chief Illiniwek tradition can be transformed into an educational asset, to both the University and to the Native American community. Elevating the symbol of Chief Illiniwek provides an opportunity for the University to promote the attributes that have come to be identified with this tradition. Together, we can utilize our considerable strengths and resources to celebrate diversity—our growth as a human race—and create a true consensus for the future.