Rachel Hooton

Positionality Statement: I am a settler and uninvited guest to the lands of the lək̓ʷəŋən and SENĆOŦEN speaking peoples of the Songhees, Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples. My ancestry is British from both my mother’s and father’s sides. I have lived in lək̓ʷəŋən territory for the last twenty-seven years; before this, I lived throughout much of Turtle Island due to being part of a military family.

Research: In collaboration with Dr. Brian Thom, my research focuses on the integrative theme of space, place, knowledge, and power. I completed my Honours BA at the University of Victoria (2022) in anthropology with a focus on Indigenous food systems and the connection to an ancient undocumented intertidal stone fish trap at ȾEL ̧IȽĆE / c̓əl̓íɫč (Cordova Bay, Victoria BC), in W̱SÁNEĆ peoples’ territory. My Master’s research will continue working at ȾEL ̧IȽĆE with Tsawout First Nations and focus on the W̱SÁNEĆ ‘right to hunt and fish as formerly’ stated in the South Saanich Treaty of 1852, which ȾEL ̧IȽĆE is part.

Interests: Outside of my academic work, I volunteer at the Vancouver Island Sexual Assault Centre. I love to bake and cook, where I work with herbs and the healing qualities of food. I teach and practice yoga learning from my teacher Yogrishi Vishvketu in Rishikesh, India, where I was given the name Devika. I am an Aunty to my two wonderful nieces. I believe that we are always and foremost students in life; even when we think we know something, there is always more to learn and understand about ourselves, our fellow humans, and the worlds surrounding us.