Indigenous

Indigenous Relations

  • Partnerships with Indigenous peoples are critical to conduct operations, enhance security, and improve our infrastructure and capabilities in the North and across Canada.
  • For example, National Defence has partnered with Defence Construction Canada to develop a Joint Indigenous Procurement Strategy focused on Real Property, and we are developing an Indigenous Procurement Strategy and Policy Framework.
  • National Defence is also implementing a mandatory target to have at least five percent of the total value of contracts awarded to Indigenous businesses.
  • In addition, the Canadian Armed Forces offers five Indigenous Summer Training programs nation-wide, which combine military skills training and Indigenous cultural teachings.
  • The Canadian Rangers also play a critical role in supporting Indigenous communities, including throughout the COVID-19 pandemic as they have transported and distributed supplies, conducted wellness checks, and staffed emergency centres.
  • Additionally, the Junior Canadian Rangers Program routinely works with Indigenous communities to strengthen ties, partake in cultural experiences, and provide a structured program for youth.
  • Finally, we are making real efforts to increase Indigenous participation in the military through the Canadian Armed Forces Aboriginal Entry Program which provides three weeks of hands-on military training and lifestyle experiences.

Key Facts

Indigenous Representation:

  • Goal: 3.5% by 2026.
  • Current: 2.8% (as of February 4, 2022.)

Canadian Rangers:

  • Approximately 23% self-identify as Indigenous Peoples (as of February 4, 2022).
  • Canadian Rangers also provide immediate Ground Search and Rescue support, and delivered this service 34 times in 2021.

Joint Indigenous Procurement Strategy:

  • National Defence has provided 21 federal procurement opportunity outreach sessions to the Indigenous business community across Canada.

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK):

  • National Defence is building a new relationship with Inuit through ITK, the national Inuit organization that advances that advances the rights and interests of Inuit in Canada.
  • Since October 2021, there have been several bilateral engagements from working to Ministerial level, and it is developing into an important and mutually beneficial partnership.

Inuit Nunangat Policy:

  • National Defence participated in the creation of the Inuit Nunangat Policy, which was co-developed with Inuit, and will direct federal departments and agencies to consider Inuit priorities, and engage early on projects, policies or initiatives that affect Inuit Nunangat.

Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships Affiliation Program:

  • All 6 Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships will be affiliated with all 4 regions of Inuit Nunangat, including:
    • Qikiqtani (Nunavut)
    • Kitikmeot (Nunavut)
    • Kivalliq (Nunavut)
    • Inuvialuit (Inuvialuit Settlement Region)
    • Nunavik
    • Nunatsiavut
  • These affiliations are a long-standing naval tradition and deeply valued by the sailors and the civilian communities.

Promoting Cultural Awareness within the Defence Team:

  • National Defence promotes training, education, and commemorative events to build cultural competence, ensure awareness of Indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions, and promote reconciliation.
  • As of March 6, 2022, a total of 78,886 Defence Team members completed the DLN – Introduction to Indigenous Cultures course.

Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point Mediator (Transfer to Department of Indigenous Services)

  • National Defence is responsible for decommissioning the former Camp Ipperwash, which, once concluded, will be returned to the Chippewas of the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation. 
  • While decommissioning work is ongoing, National Defence continues to support the First Nation’s governance over the former Camp Ipperwash through a final settlement agreement.
  • To support these efforts, National Defence is transferring $150,000 to Indigenous Services Canada, which will be provided to the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation.
  • These funds will support the costs of mediator services.
  • National Defence continues to take concrete steps to ensure we are living up to the spirit and intent of our agreements with, and support for, First Nation and Indigenous Peoples.

Key Facts

  • Decommissioning of the former Camp Ipperwash includes:
    • The completion of an Unexploded Explosive Ordnance Clearance Program;
    • An environmental investigation and remediation; and,
    • The removal of infrastructure.
  • This transfer to Indigenous Services Canada provides funding in support of the delivery of mediation services for the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point related to:
    • Improving internal governance; and,
    • Advancing clearance and remediation of Former Camp Ipperwash.

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