My name is Rachel and I am originally from Prince Rupert, BC, and am of mixed ancestry, including East Asian and Tsimshian from the community of Lax Kw’alaams. I have been trained as a Registered Dietitian (RD) and Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE), though I continue to be on a learning journey.
I currently have the privilege of living and working on unceded ancestral homelands of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, also known as Tofino, BC. I work alongside the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations as a Diabetes Educator for the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Trible Council. I also provide private nutrition services through my private practice Pacific North Nutrition.
Memberships and Schooling
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science (B.Sc) at Griffith University in Australia
- Masters in Nutrition and Dietetics (M.Nd), with a major in Public Health, in 2011
- Ph.D. Student at UBC through the School of Kinesiology
- An active member of Dietitians of Canada, College of Dietitians of BC, Diabetes Canada and Nutrition Blog Network.
My Vision
I created this blog to help grow and share my passion for nutrition that is equally as good for our bodies as it is for our planet. This space aims to share some of my favourite seasonal recipes, as well as information on sustainable seafood choices, and nutrition tips that can help lower our carbon footprints.
More recently, my work alongside Indigenous communities has encouraged me to use my (online) voice to advocate for Indigenous food sovereignty. Advocating for food sovereignty will not only promote health and wellness in Indigenous communities, including decreasing the rates of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes but will also help us all repair our relationships with the land, plants, and animals which provide us with the food we need.
Haida Gwaii, BC
Sustainability Featured Articles
Some article contributions to established networks include:
- 5 Healthy Foods You Should Always Buy In Bulk, According To A Sustainable Dietitian – Well + Good
- How To Make The Healthiest, Most Ethical and Sustainable Food Choices If You Eat Meat, Dairy, and Eggs – Well + Good
- Be A Mediterranean Diet Superstar With This Guide To Eating Fish Sustainably – Well + Good
- How To Improve Your Eating Habits In A Pandemic – Tips From Dietitian Rachel Dickens – Rumble
- The Health and Sustainability Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet – Canadian Society of Nutrition Management
- Meet Our Team and Nutrition 101 – Rumble
I have also been featured on PRIME News (see video here) and Food Bloggers of Canada.
Indigenous Wellness Contributions
- Dietitian Stresses The Need For Children To Consume Water – Ha-Shilth-Sa Newspaper
- Taking Charge of Type 2 Diabetes – Ha-Shilth-Sa Newspaper
- A Traditional First Nations Diet Combatted Illnesses That Are Now Common, Says Research – Ha-Shilth-Sa Newspaper
- Gifts From Our Relations: An Indigenous Original Foods Guide
- 2021 Nuu-chah-nulth Healthy Foods Calendar
Follow along with me as I explore the sustainability of our food choices, and advocate for Indigenous food sovereignty. I will also share with you some of my favourite plant-strong recipes. Find me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest or Twitter.
