The Oglala Sioux Tribe of South Dakota said it is not affiliated with the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge despite claims that the event would raise funds for water projects on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

The ride began in Florida on June 20 and ended in Alaska on July 4. Organizers said a $500,000 prize will be awarded to the first-place finisher during the upcoming Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota.

“The Oglala Sioux Tribe was not contacted by the organizers of the event and are not aware of the existence of a half million dollars for the prize. Nor is the Tribe aware of any Lakota band donating such an amount for this event,” President Theresa Two Bulls said in statement, noting that her office has been deluged with calls about the event.

“The administration of the Oglala Sioux Tribe’s Rural Water Supply System is also unaware of a plan by the HHMC organizers to improve the water system with the revenue generated by the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, Two Bulls added.

Participants in the challenge paid $1,000 to enter. Two people died and three people were seriously injured during the event.

Get the Story:
Press Release: Hoka Hey! A Challenge or a Scam? (OST 7/13)
Oglala Sioux Tribe says it's not linked to Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge (The Rapid City Journal 7/13)
Motorcycle race through Alaska plagued with accidents, safety concerns (The Fairbanks Daily News Miner 7/8)