Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) is asking the
Ontario government to develop an integrated provincial strategy for
prevention and support services to deal with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum
Disorder (FASD).
FASD is an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can
occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy.
These effects may include physical, behavioral, mental, and learning
disabilities with possible lifelong implications. “Countless children
are falling through the cracks because of Ontario’s continued failure to
fully address FASD,” NAN Deputy Grand Chief Terry Waboose said.
“This puts them at high risk for developmental disorders and severely
impairs their chances to grow up to lead the full, happy and productive
lives they so desperately deserve.”
NAN said Ontario is falling behind other provinces when it comes to
FASD prevention and support, many of which have strategies and targeted
mandates for FASD.
In 2006 Ontario cut the Northwestern Ontario FASD Diagnostic Clinic that provided services to many First Nation communities.
“Without assessments and proper services, many First Nation children
are at very high risk for secondary disabilities that can severely
impair their development. Lives are at risk and it is crucial that the
government officially recognizes the crippling health and social impacts
of this disorder and begins to work with First Nations to design and
implement a strategic response,” Waboose said.
Chris Kornacki - Wawatay News