A newly established Inuit-owned defense company, Sapujjijiit Inc., is set to redefine Canada’s Arctic security and defense landscape by merging indigenous expertise with advanced military technology. Based in Nunavut, the firm—whose name means “defender” in Inuktitut—plans to bring research, manufacturing, and systems integration for drones, robotics, and cold-weather sensors directly into Canada’s Far North, according to Nunatsiaq News.
Sapujjijiit Inc. was created in partnership with Ottawa-based venture group ONE9, focusing on embedding local Arctic field experience into modern defense technology. This approach aims to build sovereign capability in one of the most strategically significant and challenging environments on Earth. The company has already initiated preliminary contracts with southern defense firms to provide testing infrastructure, logistics, and support for Arctic operations, signaling a broader shift of Indigenous enterprises from support roles to core defense technology providers.
The company’s formation aligns with Canada’s renewed defense posture in the Arctic, underscored by the December 2024 Arctic Foreign Policy, which emphasized the need to strengthen national presence in the North. The policy prioritizes surveillance, maritime domain awareness, and logistical readiness in response to emerging regional threats. Indigenous-owned enterprises like Sapujjijiit are increasingly seen as essential partners in achieving these national security objectives while promoting economic empowerment and local employment.
Canada’s defense modernization push also includes investments in NORAD renewal, long-range radar systems, and satellite monitoring technologies to enhance early threat detection across the Arctic. Ottawa has further expanded infrastructure at CFS Alert and the Nanisivik Naval Facility, alongside funding for new ice-capable patrol vessels. Together, these initiatives underscore Canada’s commitment to Arctic sovereignty, resilience, and indigenous-led participation in national defense operations.
