Sheryl Yakeleya

Member Dehcho

Mrs. Yakeleya was elected to the 20th NWT Legislative Assembly to represent the constituency of Dehcho.

Mrs. Sheryl Brenda Yakeleya was born and raised in Fort Providence. NT.  During her younger life, she lived on the land with her parents. Mrs. Yakeleya has also resided in Fort Simpson, Yellowknife, Norman Wells, and Tulita, NWT. She holds a Business Administration diploma and Office Administration certifcate from Aurora College, as well as a Training of Trainers certificate from the Nechi Institute. 

For many years Mrs. Yakeleya has dedicated herself to serving community, by talking to people and working for them. She served as a Board Member for the Native Women’s Association and has volunteered with a variety of community social events. It was this active involvement that inspired the people of her community to encourage her to serve residents at the highest level as an elected politician.

Prior to being elected Mrs. Yakeleya worked in the Indigenous Community Wellness Division in Yellowknife, a Contracts Administrator for the Norman Wells Housing Corporation and most recently as a Family Mentor Worker with the Zhahti Koe Friendship Centre, and Caretaker for the Seniors Home in Fort Providence. She also was employed as a Community Program Coordinator promoting community wellness and justice.

In her spare time, Mrs. Yakeleya loves to read, sew moose hair tufting, sing, clean, and organize.

Mrs. Yakeleya is married to Mr. Norman Yakeleya, former MLA for the Sahtu in the 15th, 16th, and 17th Assemblies, as well as former Dene National Chief. Together they have 6 children, 3 sons and 3 daughters, and 3 granddaughters.

Dehcho Electoral District:

Committees

Sheryl Yakeleya
Dehcho
Member's Office

Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9
Canada

P.O. Box
1320
Email

Statements in Debates

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 69)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the NWT is facing a growing social crisis. Across our territory in small communities like those in my Deh Cho constituency, we are struggling with violent crimes, intimate partner violence, poverty, addictions, and health issues and housing instability.

Mr. Speaker, our people deserve to feel safe. Families deserve peaceful homes. Youth deserve opportunity. And elders deserve to live in comfort. Safe communities are a priority of this government, and my people must live in hope, not fear.

Safety cannot come from enforcement alone. The RCMP are not going to...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 69)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Minister commit to working directly with Deh Cho community governments and local leadership to develop community-led safety and wellness strategies tailored to their unique needs and cultural strengths? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 69)

Further to recommendations,

The Standing Committee on Social Development recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories present a legislative proposal by mid-2026 to significantly modernize the Northwest Territories' Residential Tenancies Act. The amendments should be centered on the right to adequate housing and provide clear guidance to tenants and landlords on their rights and responsibilities.

The Standing Committee on Social Development recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories conduct an operational review of the Northwest Territories Rental Office, including whether...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 69)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister outline what resources or flexible funding options are available or will be made available to help Deh Cho communities design and implement their own local safety and healing initiatives? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 69)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are going to be directed to the Minister of Justice.

Can the Minister explain what steps the GNWT is taking to prioritize and support safer communities in the Deh Cho where crime and social issues are reaching crisis levels? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 67)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The regional economic development plan highlights the lack of skilled workers as a major constraint to business growth. What investments is the department making to support workforce development and improve access to training in the Deh Cho riding? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 67)

Thank you. Okay. That's all I have for that. Thank you.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 67)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Many small businesses and entrepreneurs in the Deh Cho region are working hard to build resilient community-driven economies. These businesses are the backbone of our communities, yet they continue to face significant challenges that require urgent attention and support from the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment. The South Slave Region Economic Development Plan was tabled in this House in 2023, and it highlights many issues that continue to be prevalent in communities in the Deh Cho riding. These include limited access to skilled workers, high costs of...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 67)

Would there be a possibility of that happening in the future if it were requested? Thank you.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 67)

Yeah, thank you. So you don't anticipate this to be ready until about 2027-2028? Thank you.