Suspended Senator Patrick Brazeau was arrested on April 10 in Gatineau, Que., and is facing charges including possession of cocaine, assault, breaching release conditions and uttering threats.

He has faced several controversies since his Senate appointment in 2009.

Born in Maniwaki, Que., Brazeau began working with the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples - the national organization that represents off-reserve aboriginals - in 2001, and was elected as its national chief in February 2006.

He was re-elected to a four-year term in November 2008, but was called to the Senate by Prime Minister Stephen Harper a short time later. Brazeau is the 15th aboriginal senator since Confederation, and is also the third-youngest person ever named to the Senate.

Here is an overview of Brazeau's stormy time in the upper chamber.