Coast-to-Coast Indigenous Partnership Advances New Model for Participation in Canada’s Future Submarine Program
- Glooscap Ventures
- 24 hours ago
- 3 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 26, 2026 – Songhees Development Corporation, Des Nedhe Group Defence and Glooscap
Ventures are welcoming the selection of their partner, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems Canada Ltd.
(TKMS), as the preferred supplier for Canada’s landmark Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, calling it
an important milestone for Canada’s future naval capability, sovereign defence capacity and
Indigenous economic participation.
Earlier this year, the three Nation-owned economic development organizations entered into a
cooperation agreement with TKMS to establish a Pan-Canadian framework to advance Indigenous
participation in support of Canada’s future submarine capability.
The agreement creates structured pathways for Indigenous participation across industrial activities,
workforce development, Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) delivery, governance and longterm
sustainment initiatives connected to the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project.
As the project moves from supplier selection toward negotiation, industrial planning and
implementation, the partners say the next phase will test how early Indigenous engagement is
translated into delivery, workforce development, governance and long-term economic outcomes.
“This partnership demonstrates what commercially focused Indigenous participation can look like in a
major national program,” said Rob Dick, Director, Songhees Development Corporation Board of
Directors.“It brings Indigenous economic partners into the structure of the work from the outset, with
shared accountability and a focus on delivery. This is a disciplined business approach to building value
and strengthening Canada’s industrial base.”
The Canadian Patrol Submarine Project is one of the most significant defence procurement initiatives
in a generation. It is intended to strengthen Canada’s maritime security, support Arctic and coastal
sovereignty, and create long-term industrial and sustainment opportunities across the country.
“Canada is making generational investments in its sovereign defence capability, and Nation-owned
businesses have the expertise, relationships and delivery capacity to be full partners in that work,” said
Sean Willy, CEO of Des Nedhe Group “This opportunity goes beyond participation targets or
subcontracting. It is about Indigenous leadership helping shape the long-term industrial benefits that
come from these investments.”
The Pan-Canadian framework brings together Indigenous economic partners from the West Coast,
the Prairies and Atlantic Canada. The partners say that national reach is critical to ensuring Indigenous
participation reflects the scale, geography and long-term nature of Canada’s submarine program.
For Glooscap Ventures, the agreement represents an opportunity to build durable economic value for
Indigenous communities and workers in Atlantic Canada and across the country.
“The value of a program like this is measured by the careers it creates, the businesses it helps grow
and the opportunities it opens for the next generation,” said Michael Peters, CEO of Glooscap
Ventures. “We want more Indigenous people building careers, starting businesses and helping lead the
industries that will shape Canada's future.”
The future of Canadian naval sovereignty is taking shape, and the partners say Indigenous economic
leadership has an important role to play in helping build it.
Songhees Development Corporation, Des Nedhe Group Defence and Glooscap Ventures look forward
to continuing their work with TKMS as the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project moves into its next
phase.
Songhees Development Corporation
Songhees Development Corporation is the economic development corporation of Songhees Nation,
located in lək̓ʷəŋən territory in what is now Greater Victoria, British Columbia. The corporation
advances Songhees Nation’s economic priorities through profitable business ventures, strategic
partnerships and investments that support community priorities and future growth. Guided by the
Nation’s values, its work supports financial self-reliance, entrepreneurship, workforce development,
and lasting value for Songhees Nation and its members.
Des Nedhe Group Defence
Des Nedhe Group Defence is a Nation-owned defence and security company and a primary division of
Des Nedhe Group, the economic development organization of English River First Nation in
Saskatchewan. DNG Defence brings together the capabilities, experience and partnerships of the Des
Nedhe Group of Companies to support Canada’s defence priorities through strategic partnerships,
project and program delivery, infrastructure, data and security solutions, environmental services,
community engagement, marketing and communications, workforce development and Indigenous-led
industrial participation.
Glooscap Ventures
Established in 2014, Glooscap Ventures is the investment arm of Glooscap First Nation, a Mi’kmaq
community located on mainland Nova Scotia. 100% owned by Glooscap First Nation, Glooscap
Ventures creates economic growth, own-source revenue and employment opportunities through
strategic investments, partnerships and community-owned businesses. Its diversified portfolio
includes defence, security, consulting, renewable energy, seafood, retail, real estate, and gaming.
Guided by its mandate to make the community more prosperous each day, Glooscap Ventures
reinvests profits to support the long-term sustainability, strength and prosperity of Glooscap First
Nation and its members.
Media Contact:
Brett Bradshaw
Director, Communications & Community Engagement
Creative Fire