Neegann Aaswaakshin is Saulteaux of the Anishinaabe Nation, a member of Fishing Lake First Nation in Saskatchewan – Treaty No. 4, and Bear Clan. Her name O’Niigaannii Aaswaakshin means “leader to lean on” in Anishinaabemowin, and as such Neegann is a passionate and dedicated advocate for Indigenous peoples’ business, lands, rights, interests, and the process of reconciling Indigenous peoples rights and the interests of all Canadians.
Neegann’s undergraduate studies were in Arts and Sciences, and she holds a Juris Doctor (JD) law degree from the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law. Neegann was the recipient of the 2012 Arthur Rhodes Academic Award for Outstanding Graduates from the University of Saskatchewan College of Law, the 2013 Award for Academic Merit and Community Service from the Indigenous Bar Association, and served as vice-president of the Indigenous Law Students Association.
Neegann is a strong facilitator, moderator, public speaker, and she has been invited to host and chair many professional events. Neegann has a dynamic character and personal and professional qualities which have served her well in business dealings, negotiations, consultations and engagement processes, networking and building strong business relationships and partnerships for her clients.
Beginning in 2002, Neegann worked in policy, research, and strategic advisory roles for numerous Indigenous organizations such as the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, Native Women’s Association of Canada, Legacy of Hope Foundation, and the Assembly First Nations. She was also an advisor to Member of Parliament Mr. Romeo Saganash, and was involved in internal party strategic planning concerning Indigenous issues.
Throughout 2013-2016, Neegann worked for the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General in civil litigation, negotiation, and legal issues concerning the intersect between Indigenous peoples’ legal rights and interests and the Crown rights, duties and obligations.
Neegann uses her nearly two decades of experience in her current professional consulting practice to advise on business development and negotiate and coordinate development projects and partnerships between private companies, Indigenous Nations and various levels of government. The projects and partnerships range from land development, aviation, agriculture, energy, mining and other resource development projects throughout Canada, particularly in western Canada.