First Nations people were not surprised to learn the findings of Justice Frank Iacobucci’s report entitled “First Nations Representation on Ontario Juries.”

The report, released on Feb. 26, stated bluntly that, “the justice system generally as applied to First Nations peoples, particularly in the North, is quite frankly in a crisis.”

Windspeaker, a name synonymous with Aboriginal news, is celebrating its 30th anniversary of publishing this year. The magazine has a rich history.

Starting as a small Alberta publication, Windspeaker grew to a national magazine that many people rely on to this day.

Staff who have been with the publication from the beginning take pride in many things, including the consistent quality of work Windspeaker has produced over the decades, the guidance it has provided to young reporters, and the struggle to maintain an Aboriginal news publication through good times and bad.

Rank Comix for April 2013

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is in Toronto to greet the arrival of two Chinese pandas on March 25th at the same time as the Nishiyuu Cree Walkers complete their 1600 km trek on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

Related: Journey of the Nishiyuu swells to hundreds after 1,600 km trek

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

 “Against the wall.” “Despicable.” “A gun to our heads.”

First Nations from coast to coast of Canada are using strong language in reaction to changes in this year's financial contribution agreements from the federal government, with one Alberta band even planning to take a complaint to the United Nations if Aboriginal Affairs doesn't budge, Windspeaker has learned.

Regional Chiefs for the Assembly of First Nations have expressed optimism with the appointment of the new federal minister for Aboriginal Affairs.

“Anytime there’s an experienced veteran Member of Parliament to be working on the national issues relative to Aboriginal issues I think it’s good,” said Alberta Regional Chief Cameron Alexis.

A week after John Duncan’s resignation, Prime Minister Stephen Harper appointed Bernard Valcourt to fill the position of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development minister.

According to John Kim Bell, Idle No More is dead.

He made this statement in his keynote speech at a dinner March 5 hosted by the I Do Business National Aboriginal Summit and Tradeshow at the Doubletree Hotel in Toronto. Bell is Mohawk and is the founder of the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards.

At the end of his half-hour talk, Bell was challenged by 73-year-old Margaret Cozry, an Ojibway Toronto-based businesswoman of some 40 years standing.

“I would like to know, John,” Cozry said, “why you are suggesting that Idle No More is dead.”

From stinging minus-55C temperatures in the far-northern Cree wilderness beyond the reach of roads, to the melting woodland snows of temperate Algonquin territory, a remarkable youth journey has made its way by foot and snowshoe this past two months, 1,600 km from James Bay in Québec to Parliament Hill.

UPDATE:

Friday, March 22, 2013

Senator Patrick Brazeau, through his lawyer, entered a plea of not guilty on the charges he is facing as a result of alleged incidents that occurred on Feb. 7, 2013.

Brazeau remains suspended (with pay) from the Senate until the conclusion of court proceedings on the charges.

In a statement to the media, Brazeau's lawyer stated that Patrick Brazeau looks forward to clearing his name and putting this behind him and then returning to the Senate to represent the people of Canada.

From AFN media release:

In response to the 2013 federal Budget released today, Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo continues the call for transformative change requiring key investments and a fundamentally new fiscal relationship based on respect and fairness.

"Budget 2013 makes reference to First Nations in almost every section, which suggests that the unprecedented attention and engagement of our peoples is beginning to be heard, but the investment just isn't there," said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo.

The 2013 federal budget unveiled March 21 by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty contained little in response to ongoing calls for a national inquiry into the large number of missing and murdered Indigenous women.

Collection of perspectives and media coverage of the missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls