When Indian Motorcycle Company representatives first arrived at Bemidji State University in November 2022, they saw needs inside the American Indian Resource Center that matched with their ambitions.
“We were expanding our work with the Indigenous community, and we were looking for a reputable local leader that was already finding ways to engage with and support a community in need,” Aaron Jax, Indian Motorcycles vice president, said. “Meeting (AIRC executive director) Chrissy Downwind and learning what she did was really eye-opening.”
Just over two years later, the results are undeniable. American Indian students are staying enrolled at a far higher rate, they’re better supported by the university and they’re perfect examples of what can happen when strong communities find partners for financial support.
And it all started with a single connection.
Those original introductions were sparked two years ago by BSU alumna Lisa Kittleson, a senior manager at IMC’s parent company, Polaris.
Kittleson knew of Indian Motorcycle’s desire to connect with more local partners, and Bemidji State’s track record for positive relationships. She wasn’t afraid to make an introduction on behalf of her alma mater.
“I could see both organizations searching for each other,” Kittleson said. “I thought it was important to connect good and good together and then allow them to explore if there was a partnership with legs. I think it makes sense on a number of levels and I’m ecstatic both parties could see it, too.”
The partnership was attractive for a number of reasons. Geographically, an institution in its own backyard made sense for the Minnesota-based company. Bemidji State’s offerings, like the AIRC building and its Indigenous curriculum, were innovative. But the ultimate selling point for IMC came when representatives were able to visit campus and see first-hand the good work being done to support American Indian students at BSU.
Involvement and Investment
Jax takes no credit on behalf of IMC for such a successful partnership. Instead, he recognizes Downwind and her team for the work already in motion by the time Indian Motorcycle arrived. All they had to do was listen.
In those early discussions, Downwind and her AIRC team described the challenges that Indigenous students face in pursuit of a degree. Hardships ranged from food insecurities and housing to vehicle maintenance and tuition costs, among others. But IMC’s financial investment is significant because it is unrestricted — meaning the AIRC is able to use the funding to support students however it needs.
“We didn’t come in knowing, acting, or pretending like we were an expert,” Jax said. “But we leaned on those who are, and we let them show us what we could do as a corporate entity to enrich their work.”
The AIRC greatly benefits from the newfound collaboration. And it’s not just financial, either. IMC has demonstrated its commitment through internship and job opportunities offered to Bemidji State students, plus a consistent presence at events like the annual BSU powwow or last fall’s Honors Gala.
Downwind said the investment is working, leading to expanded student success programs and improvements in the AIRC’s overall environment. Behind expanded offerings and the IMC funding,
the center’s retention rate has reached 87% — meaning more American Indian students are staying on campus and earning their degrees.
“Our team and our students will forever be grateful for this partnership,” Downwind said. “We’ve never had any one specific organization, corporation, donor – anything – ever come to us with as much opportunity to open doors for our students as they have.”
“Very Proud of This Program
IMC is a familiar name to Downwind. Her father, grandmother and great-grandmother all rode Indian Motorcycle bikes. Now seeing IMC’s involvement in a professional setting is a full-circle moment for her, and it’s the authenticity that makes it so special.
“There’s not a hidden agenda that they’re trying to achieve,” Downwind said. “They’re not asking for anything in return other than genuinely wanting to see the success of our institution and our students.”
Rightfully so, Bemidji State still reports back all the good. Indian Motorcycle receives updates from the AIRC staff, like how the dollars have specifically helped students. Students also write them personal thank-you letters. The partnership further goes both ways, as Downwind serves on IMC’s American Indian Advisory Council to help the company on matters related to Native culture, heritage and community engagement.
“American Indian students bring a unique and valuable perspective into every room. They’re the ones showing up for themselves, their futures and their communities,” Micki Dirtzu, IMC’s community engagement manager, said. “This partnership helps support the overall success of these students, but they are the ones doing the hard work.”
Indian Motorcycle has been around since 1901, and yet it’s still discovering new ways to innovate and collaborate in life-changing ways. BSU students don’t need to travel far to see proof of that.
“The AIRC is an amazing space,” Jax said. “We are very proud of this program. We acknowledge that
we’re a small part of it, but I think the Bemidji State team has done a nice job of making us feel like we are part of something bigger.”
By Micah Friez