The first agreement includes Songhees Development Corporation, Des Nedhe Group Defence and Glooscap Ventures. A second agreement has been concluded with the Inuit Development Corporation Association to advance Arctic-based initiatives identified as associated opportunities supporting nation-building efforts.
TKMS said both agreements create structured cooperation designed to harness the industrial, economic and cultural strengths of Indigenous partners throughout Canada. The parties intend to define mechanisms enabling meaningful participation in industrial activities, workforce development and long-term sustainment initiatives linked to the submarine programme.
Rick Gerbrecht, Managing Director of TKMS Canada, said: “Indigenous partnership is fundamental and a top priority for TKMS. For TKMS, collaboration on equal terms with Indigenous partners is essential to building a credible, nationbuilding program for Canada’s submarine capability. The question is not whether to partner, but with whom. We are committed to long-term relationships based on trust, shared value creation, and measurable outcomes.”
Through the agreements, TKMS affirmed its commitment to supporting reconciliation objectives while creating sustainable economic opportunities. The company stated that the collaboration aims to increase skilled employment, strengthen domestic value creation and generate long-term economic benefits contributing to the growth of Indigenous economies and labour forces across Canada.
Representatives of the Indigenous partners highlighted the importance of early and meaningful engagement in major national defence programmes. They also pointed to opportunities for participation in governance, Industrial and Technological Benefits delivery and workforce development initiatives connected to the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project.
Following extensive collaboration, TKMS intends that Indigenous partners will have representation in appropriate governance or advisory forums related to Indigenous participation, ITB strategy implementation and skills development initiatives. The company said this inclusive approach is designed to ensure that Indigenous perspectives and priorities directly contribute to the overall success of Canada’s future submarine programme.
