The Chief Illiniwek mascot was retired after a game on February 22, 2007.
The mascot is not the only display of Indian heritage that has caused controversy. Dickson Mounds Museum", which is considered a National Historic Site, once had the archaeological sites’ burial ground exposed, showing the deceased ancestors of Native Americans to tourists.
Governor Jim Edgar had the museum closed in the early ‘90s to remodel the museum and cover the bones, and either placed artificial replications above them, or closed the observatory for good.
Near Dickson Mounds, it appears that an archeological dig has been going on for some time.
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I don't think exposing a burial ground is a big deal. If anyting they are providing recognition for that culture. The mascot really isn't worth all the controvery either. People just want publicity so they look for a reason to complain.
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ReplyDeleteFrom the works cited of the book, page 70: "Chief Illiniwek Needed to Disappear.", "The Chief Should Finally Rest in Peace."
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