Health of Urban Native Toddlers Getting Better

Health of Urban Native Toddlers Getting Better

Tuesday, July 13, 2004 at 14:22

 

 

The director of Prince Albert’s Aboriginal Headstart program is encouraged by a recent survey which indicates the health of Aboriginal kids living off-reserve is improving.

 

Last week, Statistics Canada released a survey findings which suggest that while Aboriginal kids living off-reserve aren’t doing as well as non-Aboriginal children, the gap between the two sides isn’t as big as some might think.

 

The study found that 82 percent of Aboriginal parents listed the health of their children as being either very good or excellent.

 

That’s just four percent lower than the national average of 86 percent.

 

The study also found that more and more Aboriginal kids living off-reserve have been attending pre-school programs with a cultural focus.

 

Lily Robinson is the director of Prince Albert’s Aboriginal Headstart program.

 

She says she’s not surprised by the news, but points out that these types of programs need more money.

 

Robinson says her centre graduated 40 kids last year, and this year, that number will double.