PAL Airlines has banned two passengers indefinitely after derogatory remarks were made toward Indigenous passengers on a flight last night from Happy Valley-Goose Bay to Deer Lake and St. John’s.

PAL says it is deeply troubled by the nature of the remarks, and saddened that their customers were exposed to this behaviour.

Peter Penashue, a former president of the Innu Nation and former MP, alleges that the two men had been drinking and using language like, “Look, an Eskimo is coming,” and “just smell him.”

He says these two men are set in their ways, but for anyone who holds such views, keep them to yourself when you’re in your own home.

Penashue was happy that they were cut off from alcohol on the Deer Lake to St. John’s leg, but thinks alcohol on those flights should be banned altogether.

There was an Innu woman speaking on the phone across the isle and one of the men said, " what's that funny language," and another mimicked the sounds. They were drunk but this has to be their views when sober. I can't change people but I will call you on your racist views.

— Peter Penashue (@PeterPenashue) December 10, 2019