From the pieces of history left behind, we believe that the first American motorcycle company was named after the first people of North America. There is no shortage of stories about why the founder, George M. Hendee, chose the name Indian Motorcycle back in 1901, but his personal reasons were lost to time when George passed away in 1943. Like other motorcycle historians and enthusiasts, we went down many rabbit holes to try to find a source of truth but the story varies depending on its source.
When we purchased Indian Motorcycle, our intention was to restore this iconic brand and introduce it to a new era of riders. We inherited both its rich legacy as well as responsibility for carrying the name forward in a good way; humbly, respectfully, and authentically. We are committed to using our platform to promote respect, understanding, strong relationships, and positive change in collaboration with members of the Native American community and those aligned with these values.
Together with our riding community, we are strengthening the Indian Motorcycle brand in a way that is respectful to all for the next 100 years and beyond.
From the pieces of history left behind, we believe that the first American motorcycle company was named after the first people of North America. There is no shortage of stories about why the founder, George M. Hendee, chose the name Indian Motorcycle back in 1901, but his personal reasons were lost to time when George passed away in 1943. Like other motorcycle historians and enthusiasts, we went down many rabbit holes to try to find a source of truth but the story varies depending on its source.
When we purchased Indian Motorcycle, our intention was to restore this iconic brand and introduce it to a new era of riders. We inherited both its rich legacy as well as responsibility for carrying the name forward in a good way; humbly, respectfully, and authentically. We are committed to using our platform to promote respect, understanding, strong relationships, and positive change in collaboration with members of the Native American community and those aligned with these values.
Together with our riding community, we are strengthening the Indian Motorcycle brand in a way that is respectful to all for the next 100 years and beyond.
Our Approach
Our first step took place when we established stringent guidelines to communicate a clear understanding of how to represent Indian Motorcycle in the market in a respectful way. We have expanded our efforts to partner with and support Native American communities.
We are listening, here are the ways we have taken action to date:
- Created a new full-time Community Engagement role to foster this work.
- Established the Indian Motorcycle Advisory Council for consultation and accountability.
- Implemented training to increase awareness and understanding of Indigenous perspectives as it related to our product design, marketing and business practices.
- Donated resources to support philanthropic organizations doing good work in their Tribal communities.
- Engaged Indigenous Partners to help inform our journey.
We will continue to update as this work grows.
Meet Our Partners
Over the years, we continue to learn about non-profit organizations doing meaningful work in Indigenous communities. We support this work through philanthropic donations, community engagement, and cultural initiatives. Scroll to meet our partners.
Together with the Polaris Foundation, Indian Motorcycle has donated over $1.2 million to date.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America Native Services Unit
Located on Native lands, the Boys & Girls Club of America Native Services has established more than 250 clubs in partnership with Tribal communities to serve American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and American Samoan youth. For over 30 years, the clubs have provided a safe and culturally reflective space for positive youth development through key areas including mentorship, mental health initiatives, physical activities, and career exploration.
IMPACT
Funding from Indian Motorcycle creates new DIY STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programming at 10 Native Services clubs across the United States for two years. This program is culturally adapted to provide hands-on activities and immersive programs for youth ages 9 - 12.
American Indian College Fund
The American Indian College Fund is the largest organization that helps Native American students by removing barriers to higher education through scholarships and program funding at tribal colleges and universities.
IMPACT
We funded 90 scholarships to Indigenous students pursuing a 2- or 4-year degree in STEM to help pay for housing, books, food and incidentals. Nearly 80% of graduates from tribal colleges find careers in or near their tribal communities, multiplying impact by strengthening the communities they live and work.
American Indian Resource Center at Bemidji State University
Minnesota’s first Indian Studies program and the first collegiate Ojibwe language program in the country is at Bemidji State University! The American Indian Resource Center at BSU acts as a home base and support for the Native American (AIRC) student population.
IMPACT
Our donation to the AIRC allows program managers to identify the best way to support Indigenous students with access to resources quickly and efficiently which allows them to focus on their studies.
Red Feather Development Group
Red Feather partners with the Hopi and Navajo Nations to provide community elders and families with comprehensive home health assessments and a customized plan to address the safety and efficiency through clean heat solutions and home repairs.
IMPACT
Our funds go to the hub of their programs, the Native Homes Repair Network, which not only works to fix homes, but provides educational workshops, home safety kits, and repair materials for those eager to learn DIY home improvement projects.
Southwest Association of American Indian Arts
For over 100 years, this Native American art show has recognized and award thousands of Indigenous artists from North America and Canada. Each August, an estimate 100,000 people attend the largest juried Native American art show in the world.
IMPACT
We are honored to support this prestigious event that celebrates and showcases the Native American artists. A portion of our support goes to help up and coming Native American artists to show at the art fair and the remaining portion assists SWAIA with building the booth infrastructure for the event.
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE x HOPI TRIBE
We had the honor of collaborating with the the Hopi Tribe as part of our photoshoot for the 2024 product line last August. This opportunity was an organic extension of our partnership with Red Feather Development Group. We hope you enjoy the video as a reflection of our partnership and invite you to learn about the tribal nations in your community.
SUPPORTING OUR RIDING COMMUNITY
Medicine Wheel Ride
We were honored to be the title sponsor of the Medicine Wheel Ride in San Diego, CA on May 6, 2023. Find future Indigenous-led rides on the Events page.
The Medicine Wheel Ride is made up of a women-led, Indigenous riders and allies to build awareness and raise funds for the protection of American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian people from violent acts and abuse. Proceeds from the Medicine Wheel Ride activities go to nonprofit organizations and direct family and community support aimed to end the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) and Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP).
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU
Are you an Indigenous rider who loves your Indian Motorcycle? Please share your story with us and we may contact you to highlight it on our website.
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