Indigenous partnerships are critical to conducting operations, enhancing security, and improving our infrastructure and capabilities in the North and across Canada.
Additionally, we are exploring opportunities for broader benefits to Northern and Indigenous groups as a part of NORAD modernization, such as multi-purpose infrastructure.
Earlier this year, the Nasittuq Corporation, an Inuit owned company, was also awarded a contract valued at $592 million to service the North Warning System.
We will continue to build and strengthen relationships with our Indigenous partners across Canada.
Key Facts
Representation in the CAF: Indigenous representation in the Canadian Armed Forces is 2.7% as of April 1, 2022.
Goal is 3.5% by 2026
Approximately 23% of Canadian Rangers self-identify as Indigenous Peoples.
Budget 2022: Includes $9.5 million over five years for National Defence to align its operations and engagement with Indigenous Peoples with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
All six Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) will be affiliated with regions of the Inuit Nunangat.
Details
Indigenous Consultation:
National Defence has a legal duty to consult with Indigenous groups and provide appropriate accommodation when contemplating activities that may have an impact on Aboriginal or Treaty rights.
National Defence participated in the creation of the Inuit Nunangat Policy, which was co-developed with Inuit;
This policy directs federal departments and agencies to consider Inuit priorities, and engage early on projects, policies or initiatives that affect Inuit Nunangat.
Indigenous Reconciliation:
National Defence also supports reconciliation with Indigenous groups by facilitating the strategic implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and National Defence’s participation in the associated Implementation Action Plan.
There are several key areas that have specific implications for National Defence and reconciliation:
Deepening engagement and collaboration on areas of mutual interest;
Facilitating governance, self-determination and free, prior and informed consent; and,
Negotiating lands, territories and resources (including the environment and access).
National Defence also participates in the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self- Determination tables when there are matters related to National Defence.
Indigenous Investments:
The Government of Canada has implemented a mandatory target to have at least five percent of the total value of contracts awarded to Indigenous businesses. This target includes both infrastructure and materials procurement.
National Defence has partnered with Defence Construction Canada to develop a Joint Indigenous Procurement Strategy, which included outreach with Indigenous communities and firms.
North Warning System In-Service Support Contract:
On January 31, 2022, Public Services and Procurement Canada, on behalf of National Defence, awarded a contract to the Nasittuq Corporation, an Inuit owned company, for the operation and maintenance of the North Warning System.
Contract value: The contract is for an initial period of seven years, and is valued at $592 million ($527 million before taxes). The contract also includes four two-year option periods for a total estimated value of $1.3 billion ($1.1 billion before taxes).
Canadian Rangers:
The Canadian Rangers conduct ground search and rescue in support of provincial, territorial, and local authorities, as well as training, operations, and surveillance and sovereignty patrols.
Canadian Rangers provided immediate Ground Search and Rescue support 40 times in 2021.
They also play a critical role to support Indigenous communities, including during the pandemic through transportation and distribution of information and supplies, wellness checks, and staffing emergency centres. In addition, they provide evacuation support due to flooding and fires.
