Copyright © 2000 NLThomas
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URBANA, IL - Approximately 30,000 Native Americans live in the Chicago area, but very few of them feel welcomed at the University of Illinois, known throughout Indian country for disrespecting sacred Native traditions. This community has responded in great numbers to the call to dialogue on the University's Indian mascot and logos.

Officials from the American Indian Center of Chicago, Chicago Native American Urban Retreat, United Natives of Chicago, as well as other area representative groups have registered to speak in opposition to the mascot, at the University's Special Intake Session April 14th, 2000. All these groups will participate in a rally outside Foellinger Auditorium that same day from noon to 5:00 PM. Red Path Theatre, a Chicago-based Native American performing group, and Native rapper Julian B are expected to perform. Faith Smith, President of the Native American Educational Services (NAES) College in Chicago will represent the major campus in the NAES system. Roxy Grignon, President of the Native American Foster Parents Association, also plans to be present to ask the University to drop the mascot and Indian references. In addition, Rosalyn LaPier, Vice-Chair of the Human Relations Commission for the City of Evanston, will present a resolution/letter of protest to the University that was passed unanimously on March 22nd, 2000.

Regional groups like the American Indian Council of Illinois will join National leaders Charlene Teters (Vice President, NCRSM), Michael Haney (Executive Director NCRSM and American Indian Arbitration Institute), and American Indian Movement founders Dennis Banks and Clyde Bellecourt for the rally and intake session.

High-ranking Indian officials in the U.S. government Elsie Meeks (Commissioner of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights) and Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (Chairman, U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs) are expected to send their comments against the mascot/logo in writing.

The National Coalition on Racism in Sports and Media (NCRSM), is a human rights organization directed by prominent Native American Leaders.