Illiniwek, also known as the Illinois Confederation, was a group of Native American tribes that inhabited the region now known as Illinois. The confederation included several tribes, such as the Cahokia, Kaskaskia, and Peoria. They were known for their agricultural practices and complex social structures. The name "Illiniwek" translates to "the people" in the Algonquian language. Historically, they played a significant role in the fur trade and interacted with European settlers. Today, their legacy is recognized in various cultural and educational contexts, including the University of Illinois, which once used Illiniwek as a mascot.