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Community Engagement

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. ​

  • Offered training to increase awareness and understanding of Indigenous history and perspectives.

  • ​Donated resources to support philanthropic organizations doing good work in their Tribal communities.

 

​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 $1.8 million to date.

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE PARTNERS WITH INDIGENOUS ARTISTS TO RAISE $80K

The Indian Motorcycle Industrial Design team partnered with award-winning artists, Kenneth Johnson (Muscogee/Creek & Seminole) and Cody Sanderson (Navajo) to donate a MY25 Indian Scout Bobber for the 102nd Santa Fe Indian Market's live auction raising $80K.

 

"Indigenous artists have a history of contributing to their home communities financially through the sale of their work," explains Jamie Schultze, Executive Director at SWAIA, "When you think about the overall impact to our communities it's overwhelming. Corporate partnerships, like this one, are critical to helping us carry on this legacy."

 

This innovative project builds on a philanthropic partnership that began in 2023 where Indian Motorcycle's annual donation of $25K goes in part to help Native American artists in need of financial assistance show their work at the Market and support event infrastructure that lines the Santa Fe Plaza with art each year.

Cody Sanderson (Navajo) is an award-winning artist, designer and jewelry maker. Cody grew up in Window Rock, AZ. He believes his humble upbringing cultivated determination, grit and hard-working ambition. Today Cody's distinctive style and infamous star designs are recognized across the world. His expert craftmanship brings a positive, fun energy to life in every piece.

Kenneth Johnson (Muscogee/Creek, Seminole) is an award-winning artist and accomplished metalsmith. Kenneth is recognized for his bold combinations of stampwork and engraving, often incorporating coins and bead set gemstones. His signature techniques include Seminole patchwork patterns, rocker arm engravings and Southeast Moundbuilder style concentric line designs.

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

We are honored to support Indigenous-led rides that build awareness and raise funds for community organizations combating the issue of Missing & Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) and rides that honor Indigenous veterans and their contributions. You can find future Indigenous-led rides sponsored by Indian Motorcycle on our Events page.

Medicine Wheel Ride

San Diego, CA May 6, 2023


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).

Thunderbird Throttle Ride

Phoenix, AZ  April 6, 2024

 

Founded in 2023, the Thunderbird Throttle was developed to build awareness and support for issues crucial to the Indigenous communities of Arizona. The ride features a tour through historic Tribal lands, entertaining stops with Intertribal speakers and performances, and partners with Native American leaders, families, and key social service organizations like the Phoenix Indian Center and the Rez Riders Indigenous Motorcycle Club. The Thunderbird Throttle is a celebration of the resilience of our communities in the face of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Peoples. Proceeds benefit Native Youth programs and the MMIP movement.

Seneca Indian School & Mvskoke Riders MMIP Awareness Event

Wyandotte Nation, OK, June 1, 2024


The Mvskoke Riders group was formed to ride the “Last Mile” as we lay our veterans to rest. This is one of the highest honors we can pay to not only our veterans who have passed on but to their families. This year the Mvskoke Riders joined the Seneca Indian School Alumni to come together for a healing ceremony for those impacted by the MMIP epidemic.

MMIP Spirit Ride

Alberta, Canada, June 15, 2024


The MMIP Spirit Ride is the first ride of its kind in Canada. Passionate Indigenous riders and allies cruise through Territories 6 and 7 to build awareness, raise funds, and honor those no longer with us. Proceeds from this ride benefit Aboriginal Alert aimed to end the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP).

Run to the Rez Ride 

San Carlos, AZ coming up October 17-19, 2024


Join us for the 21st Annual Run to the Rez Ride to honor veterans. Indian Motorcycle as a major sponsor will be there with Demos. Registered riders have the chance to win a 2024 Chieftain Darkhorse and a 2025 Scout Bobber. All ride proceeds benefit the San Carlos Apache Veterans Association.

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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