Signa A. Daum Shanks

Signa A. Daum Shanks is an Associate Professor at the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Law. A lawyer and historian, she has taught at institutions including the University of Regina, University of Saskatchewan, University of Alberta, University of Toronto, and Osgoode Hall Law School, focusing on legal history, Indigenous rights, law and economics, and torts. Her research explores intersections of law and society, data as evidence, and the legal profession.

• B.A. (Hons), University of Saskatchewan
• M.A. (History), Western University
• L.L.B., Osgoode Hall Law School of York University
• L.L.M., University of Toronto
• Ph.D., Western University

Prof. Daum Shanks researches microhistory, legal history, historical evidence in court, and the modern reinforcement of colonialism within Crown litigation. Her work connects historical analysis to contemporary legal challenges, particularly regarding Indigenous rights and systemic colonial legacies in Canadian law.

Her awards include:

• SSHRC doctoral fellowship
• University of Saskatchewan's Arts and Science Alumni Leader Award
• Canadian Association of Law Teachers scholarly paper award
• Women Lawyers' Association of Ontario President's Award
• York University Research Leader award (twice)
• University of Ottawa Faculty of Law Common Law Service Award

She has served on advisory panels for judicial appointments, communications legislation, online harm, and the Nova Scotia Mass Casualty Commission. Current roles include Senior Fellow at Massey College and Board of Trustees member for the Canadian Bar Association's Law for the Future Foundation.