We Are IH: Knowledge facilitator committed to healthy living

March 6, 2025

Carnation Zhuwaki prepares to ice fish at a secret spot in Secwépemc territory (Falkland).

Name: Carnation Nonhlanhla Zhuwaki (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Knowledge Facilitator
Years of Service: 4
Worksite: Vernon Health Unit
Community: Vernon
Ancestral Territory: syilx/Okanagan
Favourite Quote / Advice to live by: My favourite quote is from my mother, "Approach life with a humble and teachable spirit, because life is a wheel: sometimes you're at the top, sometimes you’re at the bottom."

Carnation Zhuwaki works for Interior Health (IH) as a knowledge coordinator based at the Vernon Health Unit. She started working at IH four years ago as an Emergency Department registered nurse and transitioned to her current role in 2021.

Carnation believes everyone has a gift and a purpose—something they are good at. “Some people are aware of it, and some need a little encouragement to own their gift,” she says. “I enjoy identifying and encouraging others to explore their gifts.” She envisions a world where every person can show up as their authentic self, be seen and feel accepted.

In this Story…

Learn more about Carnation Zhuwaki’s journey with IH

In recognition of International Women’s Day

Explore knowledge coordinator Careers@IH

Learn more about Carnation Zhuwaki’s journey with IH

Father, adult daughter and mother at tropical resort with palm tree, foliage and gazebo in background. — Carnation with her parents on her dad’s 70th birthday at Moon Palace Resort in Jamaica in April 2024.

“I used to work in an Indigenous rural and remote community in northern Alberta, providing nursing care,” says Carnation. “While there, I noticed the disparity in the quality of life and health-care delivery. I wanted to influence improvements in practice and policy somehow. That’s when I shifted my focus to advocacy and education, which is my current role as knowledge facilitator.”

Adding her thoughts about reconciliation, Carnation says, “True reconciliation recognizes the harmful impacts created by the colonial system. It seeks ways to collaborate with Indigenous Peoples to remove barriers and create opportunities and a safe space for those whose rights and voices have been stifled, so that they feel safe to share their experiences and stories.”

Carnation’s workdays vary in structure based on what priority projects she has at any given time. Her primary responsibilities are physician education, evaluation and research, policy review and drafting new policies. She also takes on other projects as assigned. “One of Interior Health's 2024-2027 strategic priorities is to advance Indigenous health and wellness through a commitment to cultural safety, shared partnership and decision-making,” says Carnation. “The Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility (ICSH) team will be releasing videos to inform and educate IH employees, management, leadership and medical staff.”

Elder Indigenous man wearing black hat, black vest, blue denim shirt, jeans and beaded necklace stands in front of wood door with woman wearing black jacket, black top and lanyard, in front of window. — Carnation with Elder Leon Louis at a Blanket Exercise in syilx territory (Kelowna) in 2024.

The objective for these videos is to elevate Indigenous knowledge, worldviews and voices through the power of storytelling. They aim to address and eliminate Indigenous-specific racism within IH and create a safe space for Indigenous Peoples accessing care. The videos will provide educational resources to promote cultural safety within IH facilities and departments and during interactions. Watch the first video in the series, Reconciliation in Action: Passing the Mic.

Outside of work, Carnation loves to curate a comfortable and enriching home environment through home-cooked meals, plants that enhance wellness, and being intentional about creating a warm and peaceful space.

Smiling woman with raised arms wearing black t-shirt, jeans, sunglasses, stands hip deep in pool of foam bubbles on side of hill with large green finish banner sign above. — Foam Fest 2024, Secwepemc territory (Sunpeaks, Kamloops).

Committed to living a healthy lifestyle, Carnation has seen a difference in her own physical and mental well-being when she selects healthy over unhealthy habits. She enjoys health promotion and supporting others to live a healthy life. Carnation is also passionate about social justice and considers herself to be an advocate, collaborating with others to remove barriers for those struggling to live a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.

Black woman wearing black hat, blue sleeveless top and skirt stands beside Indigenous woman with long braided hair and glasses, wearing purple long sleeved dress with colourful flower pattern and white belt with trees in background. — Carnation with singer and drummer Jennifer Squakim at Salmon Feast 2022 in syilx territory (Okanagan Falls).

Carnation has done a bit of theatre, performing in plays in front of a live audience. She is exploring opportunities to perform again and is considering doing voice overs. She’s really looking forward to seeing this year’s theatre production of The Lion King (for the third time).

In recognition of International Women’s Day

In recognition of International Women’s Day on March 8, we asked Carnation which person at IH who identifies as a woman inspires her, and why they inspire her.

Oluseyi (Seyi) Oyedele. Even though Seyi is highly intelligent and full of wisdom, she presents herself with a quiet confidence and kind humble spirit. She has shared with me many innovative ideas on how to improve systems and processes for better health-care delivery. She is always seeking to serve rather than be served. I have been the recipient of her kind service in many ways including her delicious home cooking.

-- Carnation Zhuwaki