Waubanokwe, Sep. 24, 2004

Opinion on chief: no comment

People who are pro for the "honor" of the Indians, to Chief Illini's charades as a tribute and memorial to our state's Indian heritage. Memorials have the conotation of remembering those who are no longer with us on this earth such as Native Americans. The first people of this continent are alive and well. We are not dead or need to be remembered. If people will take off the blinders, there are first people protesting and the Native Americans at UIUC such as Red Roots, the Illinois Native American Bar Association, the Committee on Native American Programs, are primarily composed of decendents of the first people of this country, Native Americans, to be polically correct. I am native and a graduate of the U of I, with an undergraduate and graduate degrees. I am ashamed of this school for trying to preserve the honor of the Native American and their ceremonies. How do the dominate culture know about sacred ceremonies and honor. You have many Natives involved here who are active in thier traditional ceremonies and traditions who can give the most correct information. A way to honor Chief Illini is to have everyone rise for an honor song from Native Americans playing Native Drums. Indians do not dance during honor songs as some think. There is much for the BOT of the University of Illinois to consider when you are working with people. Native Americans are real people!!!!!

Waubanokwe, via the web