A major Canadian defence company is now Indigenous-owned. Flowing River Capital, an Indigenous-owned and led investment firm based out of Saskatchewan, now owns 100 per cent of Marshall Land Systems. The sale was completed on Nov. 21, 2025, but an historic event was held Tuesday at the massive Marshall Land Systems manufacturing facility in Moncton, N.B., to mark the deal. The British engineering experts build specialized containerized systems for militaries that can be transported by sea, air, road or rail. They can be outfitted to be used as command centres, ammunition storage depots or medical labs. Cadmus Delorme, one of the four owners of Flowing River Capital, said First Nations people are part of Canada’s economic growth. “Now that this company is majority Indigenous-owned, it has now become the biggest defence company in Canada that is Indigenous-owned. It’s normal now to be in these moments,” said Delorme. Flowing River Capital Partners CEO Thomas Benjoe said his firm is very interested in participating in the defence sector. “Being able to acquire Marshall Land Systems and being able to build Canadian capacity on Canadian soil, I think, really strikes a chord with us and being able to continue to build relationships across this country and building relationships with our Indigenous communities,” said Benjoe. Benjoe said there’s been a tremendous focus on increased spending by Canada’s government in the defence sector. “We couldn’t have come in at a more perfect time to be a part of that,” said Benjoe. Benjoe mentioned the federal government’s commitment to a five per cent total capital and operating spend across the country with Indigenous-owned businesses. “We make it very easy for them being able to have Marshall Land Systems already be a part of that defence spend,” said Benjoe. Marshall Land Systems CEO Gareth Williams said the increase in Canada’s defence spending is welcome. “We’re seeing that among a number of places, but Canada in particular,” said Williams. “The challenge for Canada really is to raise its bar in terms of supply chains and skills. Growing a defence capability takes some time, but it delivers huge economic value if you do it right. So we really welcome Canada’s increased investment.” Marshall Land Systems has a $350-million deal with the Canadian Armed Forces and contracts with several other NATO countries. Originating in Cambridge, the United Kingdom-based company has been engineering pioneers for more than a century with 600 employees worldwide including 100 at the Moncton operations plant. Other Canadian locations include Ottawa and Abbotsford, B.C. During the ceremony, Delorme spoke about Truth and Reconciliation and how First Nations people have always wanted to grow with Canada. “Having our company here in your city, in your province. This is going to lift Canada. First Nations people want this growth,” said Delorme. -With files from The Canadian Press
