Indigenous Health Dietitians

Indigenous Health Dietitians Island Health

Indigenous Health has two full-time dietitians who offer nutrition and health services to North Island and South Island Indigenous communities on Vancouver Island.

Indigenous Health Dietitians work to improve nutrition and food security in Indigenous communities in the North Island and South Island by:

  • Supporting self-determined community food projects such as food programs, food skills and cooking programs, food access and recovery programs, youth programs, elders programs and health events  
  • Facilitating group discussions around key approaches to food and nutrition for healthy living and chronic disease prevention (e.g. diabetes, heart health, cancer, nutrition for the early years) 
  • Building relationships and capacity around food and nutrition by linking to funding resources and tools  
  • Supporting community health workers and community members with food and nutrition information and resources  
  • Creating cultural safety around food.  Helping to create community networks and advocating for food organizations and local governments to include Indigenous knowledge holders, foods and ecosystems in their planning and programming 
  • Advocating for the voice and health of Indigenous people and communities 
  • Linking communities to health services
  • Supporting schools in health promotion, food literacy, and chronic disease awareness & prevention

Project Examples

  • Recipes, budgeting and cooking resources 
  • Food Gatherings  
  • Food Literacy including food skills 
  • Food and Garden Resource Directory 
  • Train the Trainers 
  • Food boxes, food skills and more

What is Food Security?

Food security means having access to safe, culturally acceptable, affordable and nutritious food.  The principles of food security are self-determination, sustainability, self-reliance and social justice.

If you would like to learn more about food security and traditional food systems please go to:  http://www.indigenousfoodsystems.org/food-sovereignty

To learn more about other VIHA Food Security initiatives click here.

For access to one-on-one Dietitian counselling services please contact your family physician for a referral or call Health Link at 811.


Cultural Safety and Food

Setting the table for a healthy food conversation


Tips for Living Well and Diabetes Prevention and Management

Living Well 
Healthy Eating Active Living 
Balance Your Plate 
Healthy drink ideas  
Sugary drinks - elders feedback
Strength from Within


Nutrition for the Early Years

Healthy Eating for Babies - first year
Fluids for babies
Iron for babies and toddlers 
Vitamin D


Cooking and Budgeting

Delicious meal ideas 
Setting the table
Food is Medicine Seasonal Cookbook


Specific Nutrients

Iron and your health
Iron in food 
Calcium and Vitamin D
Vitamin B12

General Information on Indigenous Health Dietitians

Referral Required?
Required
How to get a Referral

Please call the contact listed below for your area.

Contact Us
North Island

Jessie Newman, RD
250-203-1486
Fax: 250-286-7177
jessie.newman@islandhealth.ca

Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

South Island

Amanda Henry, RD, CDE
250-370-8258 ext. 18258 (Office)
250-886-2122 (Cell)
amanda.henry@islandhealth.ca

Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
 

News & Events

group of people in the water practicing life saving

Wave of empowerment: Island Health grant fosters water safety and cultural preservation in Campbell River

Indigenous youth and local community members have been empowered with vital water safety and lifesaving skills through a transformative partnership between the Strathcona Regional District and Island Health's Community Wellness Grant program.

Read more

Indigenous totem pole

Island Health introducing voluntary Indigenous self-identification program at all care facilities

As part of our commitment to providing safe, culturally appropriate care that is free of racism and discrimination for all patients, Island Health is implementing a voluntary Indigenous-self identification program (ISI) at all care facilities where patients are registered to receive services.

Read more

Noel and his father, Elder Gary Brown, watch the unveiling of Noel's commissioned art for NRGH

Noel Brown art unveiled at NRGH

Nanaimo Regional General Hospital has a beautiful new piece of Coast Salish art enhancing its main entrance to honour the partnership between Snuneymuxw First Nation and the hospital.

Read more