Strengthening Canada’s sovereignty and security — particularly in the North — is at the centre of a new partnership between the University of Alberta and the Des Nedhe Group.
The two organizations signed a memorandum of understanding to explore collaborations on defence-related research, northern infrastructure and workforce development. The agreement reflects growing national priorities to enhance northern security and to involve Indigenous communities and businesses in major defence and innovation initiatives.
“This collaboration brings together the expertise needed to address Canada’s defence and Arctic challenges in a meaningful way,” says Aminah Robinson Fayek, U of A vice-president of research. “By working alongside Indigenous partners like Des Nedhe Group, we are advancing research to develop technologies that support long-term economic and social benefits at every level from community to regional and national.”
Des Nedhe Group, a development corporation owned by the English River First Nation in northern Saskatchewan, is well positioned as a key Indigenous partner within Canada’s evolving defence landscape. Rather than acting as a traditional contractor, the organization focuses on connecting Indigenous businesses to large procurement opportunities and supporting delivery through partnerships, digital infrastructure and co-ordination.
“Des Nedhe Group Defence is built to deliver Indigenous-led capability for the Canadian Armed Forces. This includes moving innovative systems out of the lab and into practice,” says Grant Oliver, vice-president of operations with Des Nedhe Group Defence. “When you align capital, expertise, and the right partners, this work can move quickly from research into application and deliver meaningful results for Canada.”
The collaboration builds on ongoing work through the U of A’s Centre for Applied Research in Defence and Dual-Use Technologies, which includes the Des Nedhe Group as a steering committee member. Together, the partners are exploring research and commercialization opportunities in areas such as artificial intelligence, data systems and drone technologies — key capabilities for Arctic surveillance and defence.
The memorandum of understanding will guide further development of specific projects and priorities in the coming months.