-2001

The first American people were Indians, so the first American motorcycle was named Indian. The name was a tribute by its inventors, bicycle racer, George Hendee and engineering wizard Oscar Hedstrom, to denote its American roots. It was in 1901 in Springfield Massachusetts that George and Oscar teamed up to build the first motor driven bicycle in the United States. By 1914 the Indian Motorcycle factory was the world's largest, most successful motorcycle factory, leading the way through experimentation, innovation and exceptionally high quality design and construction. In the 1920's it became a household name with the introduction of their new model, the "Scout," which became a favorite for many American police forces. Through the depression the company struggled, but held on. It was in the 1940's when the company introduced skirt fenders, the most recognizable design characteristic of an Indian Motorcycle. Then in 1953 the company ceased production and it wasn't until 1999 that a parent company, IMCOA Licensing America Inc., was awarded the trademark and rights to manufacture and distribute the bike in Canada and the U.S.

Over the years, many Native languages and cultures were being lost and we struggled to hold onto what was left of our ways. Through the efforts of our people we are finding our way back to our culture, our language and our people. Like Indian people, the Indian Motorcycle is coming back strong, showing that it is living up to the name it was given by its original inventors. "The Spirit lives on" is a tribute to both the reviving culture of all Indian people and the first motorcycle named in tribute to them...the Indian.

The Indian Motorcycle Company has proudly signed off on their image to be used for this limited edition print. An astounding 50% of the net profits from the sale of these prints will go back to the boys in the print for their college fund. Samuel (16), Jaime (12), and Michael (11) aka "The Begay Boys," are of the Navajo/Santo Domingo Pueblo tribes. They have traveled the world dancing at pow-wows, fairs, festivals, schools and shows. With hard work and dedication they have become champion dancers on the pow-wow circuit. The Begay Boys continue to be actively involved in sharing their culture and mentoring future champions throughout the country. As a way of giving back to future dancers, they sponsor many tiny tot divisions with the monies they win at each event.

A special thanks goes out to these wonderful boys for being so giving, Indian Motorcycle for lending their image to this project, to Rachel Shannon for the use of her Indian Motorcycle and contribution to get the project going and to all who see our vision and purchase this beautiful limited edition print.

~ Sincerely, Kimberlie R. Hall - Acosta