"HRE," 3/31/2005

(Chief opinion: VeryFor)

Over the years "they" have taken almost everything from us. Native Americans don't have alot to call our own anymore, we have a chance to stand proud and show support for Chief Illini. I for one am proud when I see an institution such as the University of Illinois choose a mascot which shows great honor and respect for Native Americans. I am proud of who I am and I participate in my tribes ceremonial dances and traditions. If we let Chief Illini go what is next...pow-wows? fry bread? Native American church? We cannot go back in time to the old days. Keep your culture close to your heart and at the same time embrace the present. I for one will not watch the final four since "they" will allow a Native American mascot onto the court. they did away Little Red at the University of Oklahoma and I know from talking to people in my community and others on my reservation that they were proud and the crowd noise became deafening when little red entered the field! he was a real Native American!! Keep chief Illini!

"HRE," via the web.