Indian Motorcycle is one of the most iconic names in the two-wheeled world. Founded in 1901, it’s older than Harley-Davidson and has long been associated with American motorcycling heritage. But for all its imagery of feathered headdresses, warbonnets, and tribal motifs, there’s a lingering misconception worth clearing up: Indian Motorcycle has never been Native American–owned.
The brand was founded by engineers in Massachusetts and is now owned by Polaris Industries. Yes, that Polaris. And for decades, Indian has used Native-inspired design language in its logos and styling sometimes reverently, sometimes controversially. Whether that’s a celebration of heritage or a case of cultural appropriation is still debated. But one thing’s clear: this legacy is complex.
Now, Indian is attempting something different, a direct collaboration with a Native American artist, one rooted not in appropriation but in partnership, purpose, and storytelling.
