We are IH: Indigenous Engagement lead values holding space

Originally from Saskatoon on Treaty 6 Territory, Jade has lived on syilx territory as a Métis guest since 2018 with her husband Adam, their two sons, Berkley and Boston, and their miniature dachshund, Lucy.

Jade joined Interior Health (IH) in 2018 after more than seven years with the Saskatchewan Provincial Health Authority. She was drawn to work for IH as she had done similar work in Saskatchewan. She started as an Indigenous cultural safety educator as part of a small and mighty team of two. In 2024, she moved into her current role in Indigenous Engagement. 

Jade had followed Interior Voices since its launch in 2018. She joined as a guest on several episodes, and eventually became a co-host of the podcast in 2022. After three years of many meaningful conversations with people who are committed to cultural safety and humility, she decided to step away from her role as a co-host in 2025. 

Reflecting on her time hosting the podcast, she says one of her most memorable episodes was with guest Dr. Martin Lavoie (IH’s former chief medical health officer), who she remembers as down-to-earth, and open in his cultural safety and humility journey. 

An early highlight in her time with IH was co-leading a virtual, two-day NAVIG8 learning session supported by Elders, with former colleagues and manager Vanessa Mitchell. “The feedback we received was very empowering and heartfelt,” she recalls. 

Jade finds daily purpose in connecting with people who work to make a difference in their communities and Nations and is inspired by the strong Indigenous women in her life. 

“I have always been inspired by people such as my mother, aunts and grandmothers who often had to stand alone and fiercely to make a life by living in a good way. I have watched them overcome so much adversity with strength and grace. In my everyday work life, I am privileged to be surrounded by some amazing Indigenous women who have both supported and uplifted me when I need it.”

She’s working toward becoming a Certified Executive Coach and is completing an ICF-accredited training program to achieve this designation.

Outside of work, Jade loves to play slo-pitch and golf, and go camping with her family. A lifelong hockey fan—and part of a loyal family of Edmonton Oilers supporters—she enjoys watching games in person and on television, and even listening to games on the radio. She also loves watching both of her sons play hockey. 

When asked what inclusion, belonging and accessibility mean to her, Jade offers this: “It means being welcomed and having whatever you bring with you—your gifts, talents and even areas of improvements—accepted by others.”

Join us as we say thank you and farewell to Jade as her time hosting Interior Voices comes to an end.

Listen to her final episode  

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