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"Contrary to statements and press releases by Rick Winkel, Students for Chief Illiniwek, and UIUC, the Peoria Tribe of Oklahoma has joined with other Native nations and organizations in demanding that UIUC stop using racial stereotypes of American Indian people," said Michael S. Haney, Executive Director of the National Coalition on Racism in Sports and the Media.

The Peoria Tribe of Oklahoma passed Resolution R-04-04-00-C "Request to University of Illinois to Cease Use of Chief Illiniwek as Mascot" on April 4, 2000. The Peoria Tribe of Oklahoma are descendants of the Kaskaskia, Peoria, Piankeshaw and Wea tribes, a group of tribes known as Illiniwek, or Illini, or Illinois nations. Their members were removed from their homelands in Illinois and forced to move first to Missouri, then Kansas and finally into the northeastern part of Indian Territory, now Oklahoma.

The newly passed resolution states that "the image portrayed by Chief Illiniwek does not accurately represent or honor the heritage of the Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma and is a degrading racial stereotype that reflects negatively on all American Indian people." The Resolution further states that "the Peoria Tribe of Indians does not endorse or sanction the characterization of Chief Illiniwek as mascot for the University of Illinois" and also, "requests the leadership of the University of Illinois to recognize the demeaning nature of the characterization of Chief Illiniwek, and cease the use of this mascot."

In an interview with L. Brian Stauffer, Freelance writer and Photographer, Chief Ron Froman said, "I don't know what the origination was, or what the reason was for the university to create Chief Illiniwek. I don't think it was to honor us, because, hell, they ran our (butts) out of Illinois."

Responding to the call to dialogue from University of Illinois, Native leaders and activists will journey to UIUC campus this Friday, April 14, 2000 to participate in the dialogue on the University's Indian symbol and logo. In addition to the formal intake session in Foellinger Auditorium there will be an open mic speak out and performances on the Quad. Dennis Banks (American Indian Movement), Michael Haney (Executive Director NCRSM and American Indian Arbitration Institute), and Charlene Teters (Vice President, NCRSM) are among the prominent participants at the speak out and intake session. Performances by Red Path Theatre, Native Rapper Julian B, Native Drums, Sirenz, and LaRasa will also take place on the Quad.

You are invited to attend a press conference at 11:30 a.m. on April 14th at the south end of the Quad (in front of Foellinger Auditorium). Copies of the Peoria Tribe Resolution will be available upon request and on Friday at Foellinger Auditorium.