Jacinda (Adi Adaxadi Xubaa)

Diné, Nu'eta, and Hiráaca Nations

I came to know the Indian motorcycle brand as a teenager who dreamed of one day owning a motorcycle. I happened to stumble across a vintage black-and white photograph of an Indigenous man sitting on an Indian Motorcycle adorned in his beaded regalia and war bonnet. This is a timeless photo, as it was shot in the early 1920s and displayed a merging of two worlds. 

I was drawn to this brand not only because of how beautiful the bikes are but also because I wanted to fulfill a lifelong dream, and of course, I can think of no better than an Indian riding an Indian. 

I call my Indian Motorcycle my "war pony," a symbolic term as it represents American Indian resilience and encapsulates my Indigeneity. I'd love to see more Indigenous people riding motorcycles to immerse themselves in adventure and joy. Motorcycle riding is healing as it veers me towards living a life I wasn't aware I was capable of or deserved as someone who grew up on an Indian Reservation. The Indigenous Riding community is engaging and growing, as most of these riders do so for great causes, support, and care for each other.