My Plea For U. of I. To Embrace Its Native American Heritage

Saturday’s column from CBS Chicago

Chief_illiniwek_logo(CBS) From controversial NFL nicknames to the NCAA’s so-called “hostile and abusive imagery” to the wrangling over trademark rights for the University of Illinois’ Chief Illiniwek logo, there’s a whole lot of talk these days about what people shouldn’t do regarding Native American heritage.

But why don’t more people talk about what we should do?

And what we can.

Yes, U. of I., I’m looking at you.

On Tuesday, CBSSports.com reported that as part of the Nike N7 initiative, four NCAA basketball teams will wear turquoise uniforms in November to honor Native American Heritage Month and help spread the popularity of the sport and other physical activities.

In partnership with Nike’s N7 Fund – created to benefit Native American and Aboriginal communities in the United States and Canada – Florida State, Oregon State and New Mexico will each wear the jerseys for one game, while Nevada will wear it for two. Each of the four schools has ties to the Native American community, according to CBS Sports, although it’s interesting that only Florida State uses – or has used – a nickname and imagery derived from a Native American tribe.

Continue reading at CBSChicago.com

Join the Conversation

3 Comments

  1. Many ALUMNI would like to see the return of the Chief/ a long standing Illini tradition/ perhaps with your article the NCAA would reconsider–since you are showing backing by a native American tribe of Illinois.
    It appears not much research was done by the University OR the NCAA into the actual feelings of the native Americans concerning this issue/they apparently just wanted to dissolve the problem. All can see that if the Chief issue had pointedly been “disrespectful” in any way to the Native Americans—it would be an understandable conclusion —however as we ALL know & remember–>> there was a “unified” & “reverent” feeling which would overcome the crowds of people students & Alumni. Remember?
    Wonder how much in “Alumni funding” it has cost the UofI to do away with the Chief. Makes you also wonder—if they brought the Chief back–>>how much would Alum contributions improve?? We like your article/ you’ve done well—keep after this important injustice—we Alum want our gracious — symbol ->>> Chief Illiniwek reinstated –>>ASAP!

  2. Thought-provoking piece ! I learned a lot from the points . Does someone know if my company could locate a blank CA FL-150 form to use ?

  3. My business partners were looking for CA FL-150 last month and used a business with lots of sample forms . If others are requiring CA FL-150 too , here’s https://goo.gl/3vAR08.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *