he Honor the Chief Society is a non-profit, private organization formed to provide a unified voice for the thousands of students, faculty, alumni, and friends of the University of Illinois that support and value the Chief Illiniwek tradition. The organization was founded in the Spring of 2001.

Chief Illiniwek embodies the attributes we value as alumni, students, and friends of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The tradition of the Chief is a link to our great past, a tangible symbol of an intangible spirit, filled with qualities to which a person of any background can aspire: goodness, strength, bravery, truthfulness, courage, and dignity.

We feel that the Chief Illiniwek tradition can be transformed into an educational asset, to both the University and to the Native American community. Elevating the symbol of Chief Illiniwek provides an opportunity for the University to promote the attributes that have come to be identified with this tradition.

The organization is not affiliated with the University of Illinois in any way. It is a volunteer-run organization supported by membership dues and donations. There are no paid staff members or officers.

The society is headquartered in Champaign, Illinois. Although it does not have any paid staff or office facilities, its volunteer board meets regularly and maintains a post office box and website in Champaign.

Initially, the Society has devoted its efforts to raising awareness about its support of the Chief Illiniwek tradition, and its vision for retaining and elevating the tradition. That support is being demonstrated by a growing membership and increased promotional efforts using a variety of media.

No, anyone who is interested in preserving and promoting the Chief Illiniwek tradition is welcome to join the organization.

For further information, contact the Honor the Chief Society at 356-3086, by mail at P.O. Box 11472, Champaign, IL 61826-1472, or e-mail: support@HonorThe Chief.org.