The leader of the Miawpukek First Nation in Conne River says he would relish the opportunity to discuss racism and attitudes towards Indigenous peoples in the House of Assembly.

Sagamaw Mi’sel Joe was responding to two days of debate on a Point of Privilege in the House of Assembly which wrapped up yesterday.

The Point of Privilege was made on comments made by Gerry Byrne against two opposition members. One related to racist remarks made at a salmon meeting that was attended by former President of the Salmonid Association of Eastern Newfoundland, NDP member Jim Dinn. Byrne later withdrew the comments.

The Mi’kmaq chief says some have asked him if the House of Assembly was the right place to have a debate on racist attitudes. He says it’s exactly the right place to have that discussion.

He acknowledges that while it did take away from other matters, at least it was raised and discussed.

Meanwhile, Premier Ball says there is no hesitation on his part to have Chief Mi’sel Joe speak to members of the House of Assembly on racism.

Ball says issues around aquaculture and agriculture quickly turned into a discussion around racism. He says it was important to him that they picked a proper forum to discuss racism, as people like Chief Joe have said racism is alive and well in the province.

Ball says that’s why they’re proposing to give the Chief an opportunity to explain his position on what is really happening with his people, and maybe others as well.

The Premier says Chief Mi’sel Joe has good advice for everyone.

Ball says Mi’sel Joe is a recognized individual nationally, internationally and provincially, and he wants to give the opportunity given the decades of experience he has dealing with issues like racism.