JOHN ROWINSKI is Kanyen’kehà:ka, from the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte. He has a B.A. (Honours) and Bachelor of Laws from Queen’s University. After practicing law with two Toronto firms, John opened his own law office in Brooklin, Ontario, later moving Two Row Law to the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. Two Row Law merged with Fogler, Rubinoff LLP in 2019, until John left law to begin a new career as CEO of Noozhoo Nokiiyan LP in 2020. In 2023 John became CEO of Zhooniya Makak LP at Hiawatha First Nation; in 2026 he added the role of CEO of Ajijaak RPAS LP to his responsibilities. 

As a lawyer John acted on behalf of individuals, First Nations, corporations and related organizations in dispute resolution; negotiated contracts, policies and procedures for First Nations; advised on for-profit and non-profit corporate issues and matters of internal and board governance; and assisted in First Nation trust formation and governance. His practice encompassed professional liability, commercial and civil litigation, and business advice. John has served as the Chair of the Ontario Bar Association’s Aboriginal Law Section, a member of the Canadian Bar Association’s National Aboriginal Law Section Executive, and an adjunct professor with Queen’s Law School. He has served and continues to serve as a director and/or officer of numerous boards and committees, including as a Canadian Council for Indigenous Business Board Member and a Director of WTFN Investment Holdings LP, and he is a frequent speaker at conferences and workshops.  

In his role with Zhooniya Makak LP, John oversees the management of the investments and for-profit enterprises of Hiawatha First Nation, which include energy & infrastructure holdings, construction, new technology, real estate and service businesses. ZMLP’s purpose is to engage in, and develop, wealth creation opportunities for Hiawatha to support the community’s access to sustainable sources of revenue for the next seven generations and beyond.