R.J. Burnside & Associates Limited opens for business. Part of Burnside’s corporate mandate is to work alongside Canada’s Aboriginal people. Burnside’s first project is for the Beausoleil First Nation on the Christian Island water system.

1970-1989

For the first twenty years of operation, Burnside offers core civil engineering services that include water/wastewater, community infrastructure and community planning. During this period, Burnside becomes the leading supplier of engineering services to Aboriginal people in Ontario by working with over 90% of the 135 First Nation communities. Burnside is able to bring much needed community infrastructure, such as potable water and sanitary sewers, to many of the remote communities throughout northern Ontario. As an integral part of the Weenusk First Nation’s relocation team, Burnside receives an Engineer’s Award of Merit for innovation from their peers. Burnside hires its first Aboriginal engineer and reinforces its commitment to Aboriginal peoples.

1990-1998

As the company grows, Burnside’s work for Aboriginal communities expands outside of the traditional Ontario market and into other parts of Canada including Manitoba and Labrador. This includes projects in Labrador for the Sheshatshiu Innu Band Council and the relocation of the community at Davis Inlet. With over 1000 projects involving services to more than 150 communities, Burnside opens a new regional office based in Winnipeg, Manitoba to meet the growing needs of communities in Manitoba and Northern Ontario. As government funding and regulatory requirements change, Burnside adapts to meet the demands of communities by expanding its services to include Environmental and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) services.

2000

Neegan Burnside Ltd. is officially formed as a joint venture between an Aboriginal partner and R.J. Burnside & Associates Limited. Neegan Burnside’s mission statement is to improve the quality of life for Aboriginal communities through improved infrastructure, housing and participation in the mainstream economy by providing a full range of engineering and environmental services.

2001

Neegan Burnside’s work for Aboriginal communities expands to offer services to Native American Tribes in the United States that includes GIS work for the Saginaw Chippewas of Michigan. Under the Capacity Development service area, Neegan Burnside's services expand to include comprehensive community planning and housing development.

January 2005

Mervin Dewasha, P.Eng., a full status Mohawk from Wahta First Nation, becomes the majority owner and Chief Executive Officer for Neegan Burnside. Under new leadership, the vision for Neegan Burnside expands to include services to Aboriginal people from coast to coast to coast. Neegan Burnside. qualifies for government contracts under the Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Businesses (PSAB). Nuna Burnside Engineering and Environmental Ltd. is formed to offer consulting services to the Territory of Nunavut.

2006

Neegan Burnside becomes a Certified CAMSC Supplier in order to provide services to industry throughout Canada. Neegan Burnside also becomes a registered TERO supplier for the Seneca Nation in New York State.