Chief Illiniwek Last Dance, Tribute - Official Vid

Tribute to past Chiefs, last dance of the Chief (2/21/07) during a win vs Michigan. Illini productions

[@BillVol]

This is just the coolest thing. My dad went to U of I for a year before transferring to Northwestern. But he always talks about the Chief and the U of I Alma Mater. We have to quit allowing the tail to wag the dog. Taking away the Chief would be like ending our tradition at Tennessee of "Running Through the T." People would quit going to football games. Bring Back The Chief!

[@markschmidt7423]

Miss the CHIEF!!! Bring back the CHIEF. What a great tradition to have lost.

[@revolutionaryroad204]

Honor the Chief and the Tradition for Which He Stands. I saw the Chief dance when I was three years old and I am now a proud student at the University of Illinois. To many alumni and students on campus, he is not a mascot. The Chief is a symbol of pride and honor. When you hear Memorial Stadium cheer for the Chief at halftime you realize even though he is gone, he will never be forgotten. Long live the Chief

[@geb2989]

For my beloved spouse who was an IIlini alumna who died on 1Nov 21. She loved the Chief and cried after this performance. The Chief's portrait is in my (our) den.

[@Marcusianery]

Thats wholesome and preservation of some local history!

[@jameshood1928]

I attended Wisconsin but loved watching the Chief perform. One of the great college traditions. A shame it ended.

[@bofriend]

Thanks for posting this video. Brought a tear. Miss the Chief!

[@MadilynG]

@illinimarine7 The Chief will never die. He's a tradition that will simply NEVER be erased. He just made an appearance at the homecoming game vs. Northwestern.

[@illini00711]

made me weep like a baby... chief forever

[@dannyandhisbass]

Bro wtf 😂

[@monkloy]

Ya'll know what the saddest thing is, it's that so many generations to come won't get to see this tradition and awesome honor to the Illinois tribes. BRING BACK THE CHIEF!!!!!!!!!!

[@ralpherhardt9033]

During the late 60s, early 70s, i was a driver for the air force red cross. I drove many guys to these games and to see the chief do his many dances were exciteing times. His last dance was movieing and sad as that was his last dance. I say " bring him back ". The Illini need to be inspired again !!!! Chief, wherever you are, come back !! We love you !!

[@peterburd]

What got to me in this video were the folded arms. I've seen the Chief since my childhood. His folded arms have always to me suggested authority and dignity. I was delighted to see fans following his lead on his last day.

[@LymetimeProductions]

They always did and still do

[@54spiritedwill54]

one of the best mascots

[@leesdroidaccountharbin9665]

They should bring this back as a halftime show. Something the crowd can watch in awe, not something to be put on display as a mascot.

[@Illini2003]

Not a show, but a tribute to both out and America's past

[@wayneworkowski7191]

Very cool. Something is sadly missing without the chief. Linda

[@vickilockeby3172]

Some of my most iconic memories as a child was watching Chief at basketball games and Football games! Long live Chief Illiniwek!! Ik the country was losing itself when they started taking Indian mascots away from teams all over

[@arthurchannell4426]

As a Buckeye fan, it saddened me to see the University of Illinois and the Big Ten Conference lost one of its more memorable Traditions the night Chief Illiniwek performed for the last time.

[@kornfreak78]

I miss The Chief...

[@arthurchannell4426]

I will openly say, as a Buckeye fan, HAIL TO THE CHIEF!

[@nancyready9595]

Very Good! Thanks

[@monexpo86]

Sad day for Illini nation Hail to the CHIEF !!!!

[@Camjammer12]

@kclove121 The dance was NOT an authentic American Indian dance and just because someone is Native American, it 1.) does not mean that they understand and have respect for the original significance of something like the headdress or even an authentic dance AND 2.) also does not mean they are not perpetuating stereotypes and oversimplifications about a group of people

[@saxgoddess89]

thank you :)

[@Odeborah14]

Growing up in Pontiac, IL, I can never forget the 'Pontiac Indian' girl. She was a fixture at the start of our football games for the three years I attended good ole PTHS. Boy, she was something. So beautiful and ritualistic in her 'dance'. What a memory. Thanks for sharing this fabulous video Linda!

[@jenniferkorte4669]

Tears Hail to the Chief

[@jbdmed]

I'm a Michigan alum who loved the Chief.I think he was a tribute to our national heritage regardless of the accuracy of attire or dance. Native American culture is something we should admire. Look at our history...then do you want to call yourself a Cowboy, 49'r, Sooner,even a Patriot? How did these invaders treat the native residents?

[@lieberman33]

If the University really honors and respects Native American culture then why don't they have a dedicated department to the study of Native Americans? One would think that an institution whose mission is that of higher learning would not only support in name the symbols of Native Americans (ie Chief) but more importantly its academic pursuit.

[@Karniveron]

I'm Native American and this doesn't offend my. I'm a Choctaw Indian

[@judithgash5733]

+The Karniveron I'm also part Cherokee and never felt the Chief was anything but honorable and represented the best of our American heritage.

[@ericakoeplin777]

Judith Gash I'm not an Indian/native American but I honestly think more whites/Asians/ and blacks care more than the Indians

[@cbeau89]

You do realize that everyone claims to be Cherokee, correct? Sorry, don't believe you! Also, you don't find it offense because you aren't Cherokee.. meaning you don't practice the culture.

[@dshendricks71]

Agreed, glad we could be on the same page.

[@monexpo86]

Chief !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@matt2saint]

I cry every time I watch this video. It's like losing your best friend.

[@ILgranny1]

Why? This is the most beautiful and most honoring tribute to our Native American Brothers and sisters. It is suppose to be an honor and not something to throw away. It shows the strength, fortitude and greatness of our brothers and sisters who have always lived in this land. I love the Chief and I cry at not having him anymore. My precious grandmother was part Native American and I loved her with all my heart. She was an angel on earth.

[@ILgranny1]

Troy, they are mistreated terribly. My daughter worked with the Navajo nation 3 summers and she loved them dearly. I am very pro Native American. But, I am not a legislator.

[@ChennieRawr]

+Vivian Tracy LOL okay. This is definitely not beautiful.

[@relapz1]

The symbol of The Chief has inspired more than he has alienated. I have stood for human dignity all of my life. There is no stand to take on The Chief other than a rich tradition of Illinois athletics, entusiasm and loyalty. He is a SYMBOL not a MASCOT. Get over yourselves.

[@nicholaskohnen]

Is there any way to get a MP3 file of the song from 1:58 through 5:20 of this video. I would just download the audio from that part of the video but I would like a better sounding MP3 of the song.

[@KR-nm6wm]

Visited a museum exhibit today on RACE. Glad to see that the "chief?" has been laid to rest.

[@jaydee2036]

LONG LIVE CHEIF!

[@pla1945]

As I read some of the negative comments here, I wonder, "why are they watching this". The NCAA can ban the Chief as well as the Admin,., but this tape (and others) will go on forever.

[@phoneguy8369]

I mean personally I was linked this video as part of a Native American history class, specifically regarding the racist and stereotypical portrayal of Natives and how it negatively impacts them and their connection to their culture but go off I guess

[@solosixkiller8526]

The Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma are the closest living descendants of the Illiniwek Confederacy, having been relocated to Oklahoma in the 19th century. The position of the tribal leadership has evolved over the years. In a television interview with WICD-TV in 1995, Don Giles, then Chief of the Peoria Tribe, said, "To say that we are anything but proud to have these portrayals would be completely wrong. We are proud. We're proud that the University of Illinois, the flagship university of the state, a seat of learning, is drawing on that background of our having been there. And what more honor could they pay us?" Supporting Chief Giles was another tribal elder, Ron Froman, who stated that the protesters "don't speak for all Native Americans, and certainly not us.

[@TurkPowers]

You are severely miss-characterizing what the tribal leadership feels. Majority of the Peoria Nation finds him insulting. You dishonor Chief Illinwek by parading your impostor around like he was an animal. The Chief was honorable and lead an entire people.

[@stratagama]

clint drake he was hard.y paraded around like an animal.

[@Hear4Metallica]

How dare you point out the truth, the left hates the truth.

[@WHITESOXfan24616]

CHIEEEEEEEEEF

[@CUBSFAN2]

CHIEEEF

[@leeswanson9732]

This was a great way to honor native Americans. It is a shame so many people cannot tell the difference between honoring and exploiting.

[@Spaghettaboutit]

LMFAO! "He's all spirit now!" - 6:40

[@Reifsteck]

I am Native American and never found anything wrong with the mascots. Not like anyone was the Chickenshit Cherokee or the Ballless Blackhawk. They were the FIGHTING ILLINI.

[@revolutionaryroad204]

You should watch a football game and see that people go for more than hot dogs. The Chief was more than a mascot

[@ericxc1]

@wss355 - That's because Chief Illiniwek was the university's symbol, not their mascot. EA Sports did, however, have the Chief erroneously dancing on the sidelines of NCAA Basketball 05 (or 06). They removed it the following year.

[@bradneedsmorebullets]

The Chief will be back. You just have to wait long enough.

[@brentgardner8719]

Been waiting to long already

[@jreeves1936]

Sorry to have offended you, soldier. Thank you for your service. I deeply regret that the memory of that valiant company cannot be honored. They, and their peers (blue and gray), deserve much better. Anything that will honor the spirit of an honorable culture should be given respect and attention.

[@tcmurray3866]

American Indian, Canadian Indian, Native American, Indigenous People's, which ever you prefer, Our Cultures and Traditions are not Mascots or Logos, We are a people. We're not sensitive, we're tired of people using our culture.

[@monexpo86]

As being part Indian i wasn't offended .

[@jreeves1936]

In Oxford, MS, they had a white hero at a predominately white university. The University of Mississippi is called the Rebels to honor Co. A, 11th Mississippi Vol. Infantry, which was made up of students who fought (and largely died) for their homes. The Colonel was a cartoon-like character to remember them and a local university supporter from the Thirties. The Colonel has been banished by the same crowd that banned the Chief. (BTW: I AM from the University of Mississippi class of 1987.)

[@RollOnToVictory]

Mascots die when the school stops printing the logo.... Symbols live on forever

[@KarateKidX]

Yeah, Losing to USC would be very horrible, I can't imagine losing to a team that's so far beneath us.

[@rose4mvp2012]

I really don't even give a damn about chief illini, but this video has got me tearing up for some strange reason.

[@flawaii-pines6858]

I am wondering who was really opposed of The Cheif? Can we have a state referendum to bring him back?

[@rrlynch]

Screw the NCAA for getting rid of this mascot. Chief Illiniwek was one of my absolute favorite mascots and his dance was one of the best traditions in all of collegiate athletics.

[@monkloy]

Um, can I ask you one thing, are you black, Latino, American Indian, Asian, or of any sort of European(not any thing of heredity)?

[@CraigStClair]

Such a heartwarming and respectful tribute to the people who lived in Illinois before us. Goosebumps. CHIEF.

[@ahchiu9]

To me, the fact that the Chief is now gone shows how ignorant most of the anti-Chief people were acting. It was never some random kid. To be Chief, you had to audition, study, and learn the dance. Being asian, people tell me I should imagine what it would be like is someone ran out there in a coolie hat and started bowing. Not the same thing! A comparable image would be if someone studied how to do the dragon dance and danced with the dragon on the court. I wouldn't mind that at all.

[@quicksilverwade]

A factual presentation is what we see for his regalia can be dissected and picked apart just by looking at it.

[@danielmathiasorozco]

The Chief was not a mascot, he was (and will remain) a symbol.

[@nancymcguire6318]

A SPECIAL To THE NOW DECEASED BIG EAR BOW-TIE WEARING SENATOR FROM ILLINOIS DOING THIS TRAVESTY

[@CavemanBearPig]

This was a legitimate way of preserving and honoring native american (Sioux, in this case) culture and dance and integrating it into U.S. culture. The dance the mascot performs is an actual adaptation. It was even treated with utmost respect as you can plainly see in the video by the solemnness of the audience. I also heard there were rules, or at least discouragements, against making any sort of rude gesture toward the dance, such as booing or mocking. Aaand then it went and got canceled because... offensive?? Erasing any attempt at preserving native american culture only pulls their cultural identity into obscurity. That's how I see it at least.

[@illini12day]

I would go to a football game just to see the Chief dance again. Because he is my symbol of the U of I and nothing will replace that!

[@biskpinch]

@TheAllid1986 im not agenst the chief. for one thing im wearing orange and blue right now~

[@MunchHerMuffin]

Just imagine the outrage if we used a stereotypical Mexican or Japanese or Chinese person as a mascot

[@colejames423]

The Chief wasn't a fucking mascot

[@kclove121]

@pujolsankielfan actually, the NCAA tried to make FSU stop using there mascot, but the seminole tirbe sued the NCAA because they actually wanted the college to continue to use the mascot

[@michaelsharp3615]

reason it is offensive its not native american guy dancing and that person dancing is dancing gymnastic moves not regular native american moves insulting indians also the costume as well

[@efc2417]

michael sharp That isn't the point you should go on. you need to look at intention. the chief was loved and respected by all students, and never made fun of. That's much more than what can be said of other schools with Native American mascots.

[@Hear4Metallica]

So only a native American can honor native Americans? I don't follow your lack of logic.

[@mfjonadler]

5:15 AKL GAMMA!

[@theskipper1969]

Ahh . . . poor Chief. I was at school in the 90's when this was gathering steam. Honestly, I never got it. I always looked at the Chief like any other fictional character, a mascot who was there to get the crowd amped up. He was no more real to me than a pirate, or a leprechaun, or a gladiator, or any other college mascot. Since when are mascots supposed to be real, or realistic?

[@kclove121]

@BreakinGuitarz33 The dance was created after students studied the native Americas, and was later “edited” if you will by some Native Americas. But, each student who was the chief was allowed to change parts of it, making it their own. I realize now that I was wrong to say the Native Americans taught it, and I am sorry for that. I don’t think chief Illiniwek was that offensive, unlike our nation’s capitals NFL football team, the Red Skins. I think that is ridiculous.

[@CollegeFootballRanks]

@kclove121 Did you just say a Indian tribe tried to sue the NCAA, do Indian tribes actually watch college football.. And they know what the NCAA is?

[@PodoSeeU]

엣헴엣헴! 나무위키에서 순례중인 씹선비오~ 엣헴엣헴!

[@elarsen45]

ok guido, you obviously didnt realize i was talking about the costume being sioux. that outfit itself has nothing to do with the Illiniwek tribe i guarantee you. i am also not a 'squawkboy,' so nice detective work there bud.

[@southparkfan2717]

The chief maybe wasn't politically correct but he was never meant to be a joke, and really the majority of the indians that are asked don't really care about indian mascots its just the few that do really stick out. The only thing that needs to change in the world of indian mascots is the Cleveland Indians logo because that is meant to be a joke. As for the chief, he should be looked at as a tribute to all native americans in general. Long live the chief.

[@luftdrachen2000]

what makes U of I different is that the Illini's are gone

[@kelbym07]

It took you almost two years to realize that. While I understand that others view Chief Illiniwek as a disrespectful image, I am appalled by the NCAA's decision to strip the University of Illinois of, not only their mascot and logo but, the spirit and honor that comes with being part of such a great asset to central Illinois. May the Chief live forever.

[@monexpo86]

Funny thing is Florida state got to kee p the guy with the flaming spear

[@mekmen1]

Renge9909 sounds like my American Indian professor. Lol.

[@Realbastard1]

I hate to say it but this was (to me) just a clear and present way of "Sticking it to 'em". I firmly believe this. I am of Irish decent and don't get angry at the fighting Irish logo of a leprechaun and I don't get mad at the vikings emblem. This "Victory" was just a PC tactic to appease a few and damn the majority. PERIOD!

[@skyhiduo2]

WE WANT CHEIF BACK

[@Jaylinkin]

apparently Chief Osceola has of FSU has the blessing of the seminole tribe, Illiniwek's regalia he is wearing is Sioux. There is no sioux in Illinois. I love the Chief as well but i seriously think that he isn't hostile or racist as some people claim. You might as well call Notre dame Fighting Irish offensive, i'm sure that irish people aren't always pissed and want to fight. But seriously bring back the chief it's a university tradition, it will make the Big 10 more exciting with that mascot.

[@sabradan]

I don't see how that is true since the dance was developed with the help/instruction/input of the Illini Nation and Chief Illiniwek to stay true to the tradition of the people of the Illini Nation. I think it is/was an example of multi-culturalism and displaying other people's beliefs and cultures.

[@monexpo86]

i blame Myles Brand

[@KarateKidX]

Okay, I'm sick of all this. So what if it's racist. So what if you 20% of native americans don't like it. We love the chief, and We'll still continue to wear chief shirts and put the chief wherever we can find an excuse to. Live with it!

[@champsnike]

Sup chief

[@BlastFromYesterday]

How was the chief chosen?

[@kiowastew]

never seen anyone dance like that.....the dance is no more traditional and accurate as the chief is himself

[@thechad4493]

all they were doing was respecting the tribe, but the tribes always think its disrespectful. the university took it seriously, the students took it seriously-they were crying- thats why no one spoke when he performed. Now we dont have the Chief, and north dakota state doesnt have a mascot, because of the people we were trying to respect in the first place took it the wrong way.

[@Beau_Caw_Kay]

Fucking A man, I woud support that..it is somewhat true, at least it is better than that guy prancing around, but still you have to admit some of the people who were the mascots had some great footwork, but others eh not so much.

[@MyFileVlog]

@GoldenEagle721 Notre dame is an irish catholic university. Illinois isnt a native American university. just saying not a valid example

[@bpaisley69]

Sorry but unless you were a student at Illinois and experienced the entire ceremony, then shut up. Whether the dance etc was historically accurate is completely irrelevant. The Chief was and is a symbol of respect to all Native Americans It was never offensive to anyone who knew anything about it. I am so sorry my children will never get to experience the thrill of seeing the Chief during the 3 in 1 as I did. It's incredibly sad. If the University had any guts at a

[@monexpo86]

Still want to know why Florida state still has one and we dont

[@thunderbird1921]

Because apparently the Seminole Tribe of Florida has fiercely supported and defended the mascot's use. They consider "Chief Osceola" to be extremely respectful and a symbol of their people's power. They even invite the student in the costume to their annual celebrations.

[@monexpo86]

@@thunderbird1921 The school paid off the Tribe is what happened

[@KarateKidX]

what is an outside opinion?

[@n2extreem]

@BreakinGuitarz33 you obviously have no idea what your talkn about man. this is tradition and its not making a mockery out of "the Natives". Everyone at U of I loves and respects and loves the Chief.

[@avanboekel11]

What a great tradition. It was always very tastefully done and respectful. So sad to see it go...

[@papaduck91]

In Whose Honor.

[@theskipper1969]

Well, it is silly to argue about The Chief since he's gone. It cracks me up that the students still yell "CHIEEEEF" as if he were still out there on the court/field. ;) All school mascots are supposed to represent something noble, strong . . . because the whole point of a mascot is to rally school pride. It doesn't matter if the mascot is an animal or a knight in armor or a cowboy or an indian. They are intended to represent something noble, so in that context, how can they offend?

[@hibob418]

Yep, very emotional issue all around. I come from a three generation family (possibly a fourth this fall) of Illinois alumni. One of my best friends in school portrayed the Chief in the 80's, and I accompanied him when he addressed several schools and Boy Scout groups. Kids blew off recess for Q&A. This issue was always been handled with total respect and deference to the Illini nation, a true symbol of the University, not a mascot. Where does this end? Do we change the name of the entire state?

[@Maxim86]

the costume is used because the clothing that the Illiniwek used would not be as easy to see, and the man portraying the Chief would be nearly nude. Most of what the Chief does is done so to exaggerate things to make it easier for people in the stands to see. If it was a real fancy dance, it would be next to impossible to tell what he was actually doing.

[@suds101]

Explain to me how it is mutating anything?

[@Maxim86]

Sorry you didn't get in buddy, but that's no reason to be bitter.

[@eonstot]

It's about time he's gone. Far too many people of the local Native American community thought he was a joke, and an insulting one at that. The Chief's outfit is not traditional and his dance is certainly not traditional (it is created by each individual Chief. Just because it's a tradition doesn't make it honorable. If we always kept around what the majority of people didn't find offensive, then we'd still be segregated.