NIDC 2026 will focus on six connected themes that strengthen Indigenous participation in Canadian defence. Attendees will gain practical insights and have direct access to defence and government leaders.

The conference will bring together decision makers, community representatives, industry experts, and military leadership to address barriers, share knowledge, build relationships, and advance concrete actions that support Indigenous communities, businesses, and long-term involvement in defence and security across Canada.

This foundational theme strengthens Nation-to-Nation and government-to-government relationships between Indigenous communities and the Canadian Armed Forces. Building meaningful partnerships requires recognizing treaty rights, establishing consultation protocols, and creating co-development processes for defence activities on or near Indigenous territories.

Canada's defence sector represents a significant economic opportunity for Indigenous businesses, particularly with the federal government's mandatory 5% Indigenous procurement target. However, Indigenous businesses face substantial barriers accessing defence contracts, including complex bidding processes, unfamiliar regulatory requirements, and limited connections with prime contractors. The conference addresses these challenges through multiple mechanisms.

Reconciliation serves as the overarching imperative guiding all conference activities and outcomes. The Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces recognize that reconciliation is essential not only for moral and ethical reasons but also for operational effectiveness and institutional strength. Meaningful reconciliation requires concrete actions beyond acknowledgments and apologies, it demands structural changes in policies, practices, employment, and partnerships.

Indigenous peoples possess unique knowledge systems, skills, and perspectives that strengthen Canada's defence capabilities, particularly in northern and remote regions. Traditional knowledge of Arctic geography, weather patterns, wildlife behavior, and survival techniques proves invaluable for military operations, search and rescue missions, and environmental monitoring. The Canadian Rangers program exemplifies how integrating Indigenous knowledge enhances operational effectiveness while respecting cultural identity.

Arctic sovereignty and northern security represent critical priorities where Indigenous participation is essential. As climate change opens new shipping routes, increases resource accessibility, and heightens geopolitical tensions, effective Arctic defence requires deep collaboration with northern Indigenous communities who have inhabited these territories for millennia. The Yukon First Nations Defence and Security report emphasizes that when federal and territorial governments, the Canadian Armed Forces, and Indigenous First Nations work together, Canada's northern security strengthens significantly.

Systemic capacity building ensures Indigenous peoples and businesses can fully participate in defence sector opportunities. The National Indigenous Defence Conference can support capacity development through multiple mechanisms. Skills development discussions and presentations covering defence procurement processes, regulatory requirements including controlled goods certification, proposal writing, contract management, and quality assurance standards. Mentorship programs connect emerging Indigenous business leaders with experienced suppliers and industry professionals who can guide navigation of the defence sector's complexity.