2 Indian Mototrycle Riders parked along railing on highway in Hopitutskwa (Hopi Tribal Land).

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.

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 $2.38 million to date.

Boys & Girls Cubs of America Native Services Unit.

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.

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INDIAN MOTORCYCLE X RVSO COLLECTION

Indian Motorcycle collaborated with renowned streetwear designer Jeremy Arviso to design a first-of-its-kind apparel collaboration that weaves the vision of the Indigenous designer with the trailblazing spirit of America’s First Motorcycle Company, Indian Motorcycle. The apparel collection features nine limited-edition apparel pieces, each donning Arviso’s artwork that inspires deep connection to land, community and tradition.

Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Arviso is of the Diné, Hopi, Akimel O’odham and Tohono O’odham Nations. As an Indigenous streetwear designer, Arviso creates designs inspired by his heritage.

Proceeds from this collection in the amount of $55,893 were donated to Change Labs, an award-winning, Native-led organization that's growing the next generation of Native American entrepreneurs.

Jeremy Aviso leaning against Indian Motorcycle in the desert.

"Creating such a meaningful, modern expression of Native American style with a legendary brand like Indian Motorcycle, is both an honor and a privilege,” said Arviso. “For this collection, I drew inspiration from the brand DNA of Indian Motorcycle, while carefully integrating vibrant color and Indigenous visual elements that symbolize movement and direction throughout the collection. Adorned with arrow motifs, each piece embodies a deep connection to land, community, and heritage.”

Co-Founder and Executive Director of Change Labs, Heather Fleming.

"We are honored that Indian Motorcycle and Jeremy Arviso have chosen to support Change Labs through this collection,” says Heather Fleming, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Change Labs. “Jeremy has been a longtime collaborator and ally in our work to strengthen Native entrepreneurship, and his success as an artist and entrepreneur is exactly what we strive to make possible for more Indigenous business owners. The sale proceeds will directly fuel our efforts to provide funding, coaching, and resources to Native entrepreneurs building businesses on the Navajo and Hopi Nations. Just as Indian Motorcycle celebrates freedom and independence, we are working every day to ensure Native business owners have the opportunity to route their own path."

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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.

VISIT SWAIA

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.

CHECK IT OUT

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.

CHECK IT OUT

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 through sponsorship 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.

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