Native infant death rate two times higher than national average

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Twice as many Native infants die as non-Native babies, according to a report by the Canadian Institute of Child Health. The mortality rate is also twice a high in poor families as in rich ones. Death rates from injuries are four times higher among status Indian children at all ages than the national average. The report prompted the Assembly of First Nations to challenge the federal government to take steps to address the "utterly shameful" situation of aboriginal child health in Canada. Manitoba Regional Chief Ovide Mercredi said Ottawa's decision last year to scrap plans for a five-year, $60 million Indian Child Care Fund was "irresponsible and unforgivable."