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.
- 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 to 10 Native Services clubs across the United States and provides unrestricted funds to support operations of the Native Services team. The DIY STEM program is culturally adapted to provide hands-on activities and immersive programs to introduce youth ages 9 – 12 to STEM concepts in a fun and engaging way.
AISES
AISES is a national nonprofit organization focused on substantially increasing the representation of Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) studies and careers. We envision the next seven generations of Native people to be successful, respected, influential, and contributing members of our vast and ever-changing global community.
IMPACT
Funding from Indian Motorcycle provides 20 trade scholarships and 40 academic scholarships to support Indigenous students pursuing a career in the STEM field. This year we are sponsoring one student with a Sequoyah Fellowship that will be bestowed at the Annual AISES Conference.
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
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.
Navajo-Hopi Honor Ride
Navajo & Hopi Nations, May 16-19, 2024
Supporting our armed forces, past and present. The Navajo-Hopi Honor Riders are dedicated to honor, support and serve their community through motorcycle escort services, community volunteer projects and building awareness regarding issues and challenges affecting Native American military veterans and their families.
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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