Our lead story: just days after launching his history-making bid as the first-ever Indigenous candidate for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada, Mi'kmaw MP Jaime Battiste announces his withdrawl.

Our lead story: after last year’s sudden passing of Grand Chief Cathy Merrick, an Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs by-election sees former Long Plain First Nation chief Kyra Wilson emerge victorious on the first ballot.

Our lead story: despite a Jan. 26 court-ordered deadline for Canada and Ontario to negotiate a settlement over breaches of the 1850 Robinson–Superior Treaty with 12 First Nations, a deal seems nowhere in sight.

. . . . . . . . . . . 

Interstitial: zapsplat.com

Our lead story: mourners in British Columbia and beyond reflect on the recent passing of hereditary chief Bill Wilson, who first rose to prominence in the late 1960s as a fierce advocate for the rights of First Nations.

- - - - - - -

Interstitial: zapsplat.com

Our lead story: citing it as a threat to their treaty rights, Mi’kmaw First Nations collectively reject a three-year offer from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to participate in the commercial fishery.

Our lead story: off duty since his alleged involvement in an Ottawa bar fight last month, the Southern Chiefs Organization announces SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels is back on the job after "a recent health leave."

- - - - - - - 

Interstitial: zapsplat.com

Our lead story: a Wolastoqey family in News Brunswick is outraged after they hear why a nurse refused an on-site visit to an ailing loved one at his on-reserve home.

Our lead story: Nakota Rayne Pooyak, 31, of the Sweetgrass First Nation in Saskatchewan now stands charged with second-degree murder in the Sept. 2024 shooting deaths of 66-year-old Brent Peters and adult sons Matthew and Brennan Peters.

Our lead story: outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden commutes the life sentence of American Indian Movement member Leonard Peltier after nearly a half-century behind bars. However, news of the clemency triggers disappointment for the family of fellow AIM activist Anna Mae Aquash, who allege Peltier was “complicit” in her 1975 murder.

Our lead story: a MMIWG advocate says it's about time Vancouver police officers were held accountable after news the Police Complaints Commission is looking into neglect of duty allegations in the case of the late 24-year-old Chelsea Poorman.