Job Description

We are searching for a Dietitian who understands that nutrition is about so much more than calories and macros. At NNWC, Food is medicine. Its integral to culture, community, and connection--and your work will reflect that.

This is an opportunity to join a tight-knit team of health professionals dedicated to holistic, culturally safe care. With a community hungry (literally!) for knowledge, your role will blend western clinical approaches with Indigenous food systems, teachings, and values.

The Dietician at the Northern Nations Wellness Centre (NNWC) will be a key member of our wraparound care team, providing culturally enriched nutrition care and health education to Indigenous communities. This role emphasizes collaboration with our Health and Traditional Food Advisor, healthcare professionals, and community partners to integrate traditional food knowledge with clinical nutrition practices. The Dietitian will develop, deliver, and evaluate nutrition services, ensuring care reflects the unique needs, traditions, and priorities of the communities we serve.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Nutrition Care & Support

Provide direct nutrition care to individuals, families, and caregivers, with a focus on prenatal and postnatal women and those with chronic diseases or associated risk factors. Act as the primary subject matter expert in nutrition and dietary health, guiding the Traditional Food Advisor in supporting traditional food-related components of care. Integrate traditional Indigenous foods and practices into nutrition care plans, ensuring respect for local cultural and spiritual beliefs. Create customized nutrition strategies that align with Indigenous food ways, balancing modern dietary needs with traditional food sources and preparation methods. Collaborate with physicians, social navigators, and mental health providers to deliver holistic and culturally sensitive nutrition care.

Cultural Resurgence and Community Engagement

Lead efforts to incorporate traditional foods and Indigenous knowledge into all dietitian services, enhancing food sovereignty and cultural pride. Partner with Traditional Food Advisors to support Food Security and Healthy Nutrition programs, strengthening cultural ties and food security within the community. Develop and deliver culturally relevant workshops and events on topics such as traditional food preparation, cancer prevention, and chronic disease management tailored for specific audiences (e.g., mothers and infants, men, youth, elders). Engage actively in community events and outreach, providing educational sessions and resource materials that support cultural resilience and foster a connection to traditional food knowledge.

Chronic Disease & Wellness Support

Design and implement evidence-based nutrition interventions for chronic disease prevention and management, emphasizing traditional food and lifestyle approaches. Provide dietary guidance for individuals with complex health conditions, adapting interventions to include culturally relevant practices and Indigenous healing perspectives. Offer health education for chronic disease risk reduction through traditional nutrition practices and lifestyle adaptations. Serve as a resource on maternal and child health nutrition, integrating both Indigenous and conventional dietary practices to support healthy pregnancies, infants, and families.

Program Support and Evaluation

Lead the development, evaluation, and continuous improvement of dietitian services across the local First Nations communities, using a data-driven approach to refine and adapt programs. Collaborate with local dietitians and health professionals to set service priorities, develop resources, and standardize culturally adapted nutrition services across the Northern region. Plan and implement special projects that advance nutrition-related skills in the community, such as personalized therapeutic nutrition pilots and workshops. Ensure data collection and analysis to monitor program outcomes, adjust services based on community feedback, and report on program success to stakeholders. Develop guidelines, and standards related to nutrition, food security, and health promotion, considering both clinical and cultural perspectives.

Cultural Healing & Traditional Wellness

Collaborate with Traditional Food Advisors and cultural leaders to include traditional healing practices in wellness and dietary programs. Incorporate Indigenous healing principles and traditional foods into the dietary planning process, supporting cultural and spiritual dimensions of wellness. Actively engage with community Elders and knowledge keepers to gather insights on traditional practices and food sources that can be harmonized with clinical nutrition care. Advocate for cultural safety and respect within nutrition services, incorporating practices that promote spiritual, mental, and physical wellness. Support NNWC's holistic approach to care by helping integrate nutrition as a key element of healing and wellness, aligned with Indigenous worldviews.

Monitoring, Documentation, and Confidentiality

Document clinical records, including assessments, referrals, and treatment outcomes, in the EMR system. Manage appointments, referrals, and follow-up tracking to ensure seamless care. Maintain client, family, and community confidentiality in accordance with professional and legal standards.

Other Duties

Apply for grants and funding related to food sovereignty or as they related to enhancing our nutrition programs and services. Perform other related duties as assigned to support the goals of the NNWC.

Job Specifications

Education and Certification

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Dietetics, Nutrition, or a related field. Registered Dietitian status with the College of Dietitians of British Columbia or eligibility for registration.

Experience

A minimum of 2 years of clinical or community-based nutrition experience, preferably in a primary care setting is preferred, but new grads are also encouraged to apply. Experience working with Indigenous communities and integrating traditional foods into nutrition care is an asset. Familiarity with cultural safety, humility, and trauma-informed care practices.

Occupational Certification

Valid BC Driver's License and ability to travel within the region as required. Food Safe certification or willingness to obtain it.

Skills and Competencies

Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team. Excellent communication and teaching skills to engage clients, families, and community members. Ability to promote cultural resurgence through the integration of traditional foods into clinical care. Understanding of chronic disease management and the role of nutrition and traditional foods in wellness. Proficient in record-keeping and documentation using an EMR system, with attention to privacy and professional standards. Understanding of First Nations culture and tradition and importance of this to FN identity and individual and community health and wellbeing. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with healthcare teams and community partners. Knowledge of traditional foods, food security, and Indigenous wellness practices. Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate nutrition services tailored to community needs. Proficiency with EMR systems and data management for program monitoring and reporting.

Working Conditions

This role will primarily operate out of the Northern Nations Wellness Centre but may require travel to local First Nations communities for workshops and events. Requires occasional evening and weekend availability to meet the needs of community events and clients.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $30.00-$45.00 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

Company events Company pension Dental care Disability insurance Employee assistance program Extended health care Flexible schedule Life insurance On-site parking Paid time off Vision care
Work Location: In person