Through engaging storytelling and insightful interviews, Interior Voices co-hosts Mary Jack and Natalie Daniels aim to illuminate the complexities of health and wellness and celebrate cultural resilience while addressing the challenges Indigenous peoples face navigating health-care systems.
Mary Jack is an influential leader in the Indigenous Partnerships team, currently serving as the newest co-host of the Interior Voices podcast for Interior Health.
A proud member of the Okanagan Indian Band, Mary brings her rich cultural heritage to her role, where she focuses a strong commitment to enhancing health outcomes for Indigenous communities. Mary employs her expertise in strategy and accountability to bridge gaps between health-care systems and community needs.
Residing in Westbank First Nations with her husband, four daughters, and grandson, she actively engages her family in promoting cultural values and healthy living. Beyond her professional commitments, Mary is passionate about the great outdoors and can often be found exploring the land in her leisure time. An avid dog lover, she shares her home with a lively pack of mini-dachshunds and a playful brindle pug.
Through her work and personal life, Mary embodies a commitment to community, cultural connection and well-being, striving to create positive change for Indigenous health and inspiring others to appreciate the nurture their relationships with the land.
Mary joined the podcast team as the Interior Voices podcast co-host June 2025 (Season 6 Episode 3).
Natalie Daniels couldn’t be more excited to join the Interior Voices podcast as co-host. She works as a Lead on the Indigenous Health & Wellness team focusing on culturally safe and sacred spaces within Interior Health . Natalie is a member of Wiikwemkoong First Nation located on Manitoulin Island, Ontario.
Natalie has worked for Interior Health for over a decade in a variety of roles – Social Worker, Indigenous Patient Navigator, and Indigenous Employment Advisor being some of her favourite because of the great colleagues she was lucky enough to work with. Being a part of Indigenous Partnerships allows Natalie opportunities to enhance health-care with inclusion and consideration of Indigenous culture and ways of being.
Natalie enjoys sending time outdoors in the beautiful syilx territory of Vernon. She can be found hiking, golfing, cycling and skiing – all at a moderate skill level. When trapped inside, Natalie works on building her knowledge and skill of speaking Anishinaabemowin, as well as teaching at UBCO in the Masters of Social Work program as a sessional instructor.
Natalie joined the podcast team June 2025 as the Interior Voices podcast co-host June 2025 (Season 6 Episode 3).
Victoria Jaenig/ qwəɬxanaʔ (kwel-han-nah), is a member of the Penticton Indian Band and Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc communities. She is a wife, mother, aunt, sister, daughter, niece and syilx/ Secwépemc/ colville woman who is also a harvester, hand drummer and apprentice to the nsyilxcən language.
Victoria has a background in the arts, communications, Indigenous business and education sectors. She’s an award-winning Indigenous storyteller who was recently named one of Penticton’s top 40 over 40 in 2024. Victoria joined the podcast team, May 2024 and has been providing communications support to the Interior Voices podcast team since Season 5 Episode 11 (Sept 2024). She is the (internal) Communications Consultant, Indigenous Partnerships and has been with Interior Health since April 2024.
Here are just a few key conversations and initiatives
Founded in 2018, Interior Voices podcast (IVP) launched the first episode with hosts Kris Murray, Sheila Louis and Vanessa Mitchell with the support of Beth Blew, internal communications consultant. IVP launched as an Interior Health (IH) Indigenous health and wellness podcast series that explores the intersection of health and culture in the workplace, our everyday lives and patient care.
Interior Health’s (IH) free community-based day program offers clients skills, tools and social connections to sustain a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
/stories/ih-substance-use-day-treatment-program-supports-wellness-journey
Inspired by her community, and what quality of life can be, Marie began her career in health care to broaden her understanding of what well-being truly means.
/stories/we-are-ih-clinical-operations-manager-inspired-her-community
A new set of tools, resources and training for emergency department staff that supports those at risk of suicide is expected to save lives.
/stories/ih-enhances-suicide-prevention-new-ed-guidelines-resources
Summer BBQs are fun but keep in mind - warmer temperatures can turn your feast into a fast-track to food poisoning if you’re not careful. Learn how to avoid it!
/stories/summer-food-safety-checklist-enjoy-every-bite-summer-safely
Recruitment Assistants team lead Courtney Ruddiman has a background in business management and joined Interior Health in 2020 as an administrative assistant.
/stories/we-are-ih-team-lead-inspired-collaboration-shared-commitment
Keep you and your loved ones safe with these tips to prevent drowning when enjoying water activities.
/stories/how-enjoy-lakes-pools-and-rivers-safely-summer
Receive news and alert posts, and Stories@IH blog posts, right to your inbox!
