This research, funded by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), shifts focus from identifying barriers to developing practical measures that increase Indigenous participation in the defence sector. Drawing on evidence from virtual roundtables and interviews with Indigenous entrepreneurs, community leaders, and prime contractors, the report identifies four key capacity barriers: administrative burdens, skills and training gaps, relationship deficits, and knowledge gaps for scaling supply chains.

To overcome these challenges, the report proposes targeted solutions, including Indigenous-specific accelerator and mentorship programs, greater policy flexibility, dedicated networking events, and improved knowledge-sharing mechanisms. Implementing these measures will support progress beyond the Government of Canada’s 5 per cent Indigenous procurement target, contributing to robust supply chains, economic reconciliation, and a resilient national defence industry.