The absence of the premier and members of his government from last Thursday's closing ceremony for Yukon Hall earned independent MLA John Edzerza's scorn Wednesday in the legislative assembly.

The Yukon Hall was a residence for aboriginal school children from the late '50s to mid-'80s.

"The local Member of Parliament, the Leader of the Official Opposition and some of his caucus were present ...were any members from the government side in attendance?" asked Edzerza.

Fentie admitted that he and nobody else from the Yukon Party caucus were at the event, and attempted to blame a scheduling conflict.

"No member of the government side (attended); we were here in this assembly. If others in this assembly did attend, we applaud them," the premier responded.

Edzerza noted that the ceremony went from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., nullifying Fentie's excuse and appearing to create some embarrassment for the premier.

"I was approached by some first nation people who asked me why the premier was not at the event. I could not respond because I did not know," said Edzerza.

"Will the premier now make an apology to the first nation people of the Yukon ... (for) not providing the support and being in attendance at this significant event?"

But Fentie was not in an apologetic mood, and accused Edzerza of aggravating an already difficult matter.

"His approach here is not constructive. It is not contributing to moving people beyond this situation; it's pulling them back," said Fentie.

"To suggest that we don't support first nations because we didn't attend a particular event is simply unacceptable and has no place in this House, in the public or anywhere else in this country."