Chief Illiniwek

Chief Illiniwek, the Cherokee mascot for the University of Illinois' Fighting Illini, did his traditional dance at the Assembly Hall (the building that looks like an alien ship landed.) He had just made an appearance at the Homecoming parade the night before and again that afternoon for the Homecoming game...Illinois won 42-13...he was still very energetic and gets the crowd to rally around him, although there is a big controversy surrounding this mascot. The band performed, there were speakers in support of the chief and then there was also his dad, also a Cherokee, who spoke very well on the controversial subject and introduced the former chiefs and his son, before he gave his performance. He is a wonderful example of keeping a tradition alive and I enjoyed sharing that tradition with my kids too.
(the chief shouts) I-L-L (the crowd answers) I-N-I! The Chief Lives!

I had the privilege of meeting Chief Illiniwek and his dad after the chief danced. He does all his dances barefoot, whether inside the Assembly Hall (concrete floor) or outside on the football field.

It was an awesome performance. The Chief Lives! There is a website you can visit...it has better videos than mine and you can see lots of dancing...http://www.thechieflives.com.