Indigenous Reconciliation Program: LaFlesche receives a grant from the DND for Indigenous reconciliation and participation in CANSEC 2024

LaFlesche is thrilled to announce we were recently awarded a prestigious grant from the Department of National Defense’s Indigenous Reconciliation Program. This funding enabled us to actively participate in CANSEC 2024, Canada’s largest global defense and security trade show held in Ottawa, supporting our mission to foster meaningful reconciliation and enhance Indigenous representation in the defense sector.

CANSEC 2024

The Indigenous Reconciliation Program, launched by the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defense, aims to support better collaboration between Indigenous communities and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). With an annual investment of up to $1.5 million over the next four years, the program encourages dialogue, engagement, and consultation on defense projects and activities.

At CANSEC 2024, LaFlesche proudly showcased our advanced manufacturing capabilities and our commitment to sustainable practices. The grant enabled us to attend the trade show and produce professional materials that highlighted our services, including custom plastic injection molding, CNC machining, prototyping, and advanced materials manufacturing. Crucially, it also made it possible for us to bring our esteemed advisors and elders to the event. Their participation enriched our presence, providing invaluable insights and helping to represent Indigenous defense vendor interests as a whole.

LaFlesche supporter, Katie McGowan (left), and Kahnawà:ke elder, Mike Thomas (right), at CANSEC 2024.

One of the most significant outcomes of our attendance was the opportunity to meet with other Indigenous stakeholders in the defense sector. These conversations marked the beginning of an exciting network and collaborative effort aimed at both supporting Canada’s defense sector and improving Indigenous inclusion within it. This emerging network promises to foster greater cooperation and shared success among Indigenous businesses and the broader defense industry.

As one of only a few Indigenous defense manufacturing companies in Canada, our team was honoured to engage with industry leaders, government officials, and potential partners, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous inclusion in defense procurement and projects. The support from the Indigenous Reconciliation Program has been instrumental in promoting our capabilities and reinforcing our position as a trusted partner in the defense and aerospace sector. Further, it allowed us to meaningfully contribute to the broader goal of Indigenous advancement and reconciliation.

The LaFlesche team meeting CCIB Vice President, Philip Ducharme, and receiving Indigenous defence vendor certificate.

After CANSEC 2024, we remain hopeful for the future and committed to continuing this collaborative journey, fostering sustainable development and creating opportunities for Indigenous communities across Canada.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Department of National Defense and the Honourable Anita Anand for their dedication to Indigenous collaboration and reconciliation. Together, we are building a future where Indigenous knowledge and modern technology coalesce to create a prosperous and inclusive Canadian defense industry.