We Are IH: Support Services member loves seeing patients smile

April 4, 2024

Gheboa welcomed her first son in 2021 and enjoys being a busy mom.

Name: Gheboa Zeleniski (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Support Services
Years of Service: 5 years
Worksite: Cariboo Memorial Hospital
Community: Williams Lake
Ancestral Territory: Secwépemc First Nations
Favourite Quote / Advice to live by: "Everything happens for a reason."

Born in Squamish, Gheboa (pronounced “Ja-bo-a”) Zeleniski comes from a large family of five brothers and two step-siblings. Her parents named her after an actress but changed the pronunciation slightly so her name sounded more French.

Gheboa’s Indigenous ancestors are from Saskatchewan, and include her great-grandmother, Dorothy Macquabeak Francis. Dorothy founded the first Indigenous friendship centre in Regina and was awarded the Order of Canada in 1978.

When she was a young girl, Gheboa and her parents travelled to a powwow in Broadview, Saskatchewan where her great-grandmother spent her early life. There, she was given the name “Peppermint Woman” by a North Dakota Medicine Man named Clifford Young Bear, a name that signifies strength and healing.

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Learn more about Gheboa’s journey with IH

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Learn more about Gheboa’s journey with IH

Gheboa recently reached her five-year anniversary with IH, which she says came quickly and describes as “pretty cool.”

Gheboa – pronounced “Ja-bo-a” – was given the Indigenous name of “Peppermint Woman,” meaning strength and healing.

She’s been able to take on the relief supervisor position for Support and Food Services, which has taught her skills that have been beneficial to her work and everyday life. “I’m thankful to have learned a lot, and have the opportunity to keep at it,” she says.

I love coming to work and helping people. To see a smile from a patient makes my day!

-- Gheboa Zeleniski

Gheboa is also involved in the Traditional Foods Program for Cariboo Memorial Hospital (CMH). She joined the program after her supervisor Nicolette Stewart had a vision. Gheboa learns and works with Nicolette, performs research, and talks with Elders from different Indigenous communities.

“Elders come and teach us their traditional recipes, then we make and serve them to Deni House residents,” says Gheboa. “A lot of residents may have traditional roots (food-wise) that they like to obtain while staying in home care. It’s an opportunity for family members to come and join their loved ones for a meal as well. It’s been very fun and rewarding to learn and be a part of this project. We are working on more recipes and a seasonal menu for traditional foods.”

A woman with long brown hair in a white dress stands behind a man in a white dress shirt sitting between two birch trees and holding a young boy. — Gatherings with family and friends are important to Gheboa.

Outside of work, Gheboa enjoys going to the lakes and camping in the summers, and she prioritizes family and friend get-togethers. She became a mom in 2021, which has also kept her busy, and still spends time in Squamish when she can.