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

Accountability and Oversight
Social Development
Public Accounts
Sheryl Yakeleya
Dehcho
Member's Office

Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9
Canada

P.O. Box
1320
Email
Email
Phone
(867) 767-9143

Statements in Debates

Question 855-20(1): Crime Prevention in the Northwest Territories
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.

Question 855-20(1): Crime Prevention in the Northwest Territories
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.

Member’s Statement 774-20(1): Public Safety and Crime Prevention in Communities
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...

Question 855-20(1): Crime Prevention in the Northwest Territories
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.

Committee Report 29-20(1): Standing Committee on Social Development Report on Committee Project: Housing as a Human Right,
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 67)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. No, not at this time.

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

Okay, so it's not to get houses for, like, hamlets, for hamlet staff housing or anything like that. That's what I was thinking that was about. But, okay, you have two of my communities on there, Enterprise for 2027-2028, and you have Fort Providence for 2027-2028. Like the Member from Monfwi asked, can you tell me what those are, or what is the amount for them? Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I wanted to look at the -- actually, it has to do with the housing -- Canada housing infrastructure fund. I wanted to know what that is and that is do with MACA, is -- can the housing infrastructure fund -- what is that and how does that relate to community governments? Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Chair. My question to the Minister is what projects are scheduled for my riding, for the Deh Cho riding, my communities in the riding? Thank you.

Question 831-20(1): Support for Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs in Small Communities
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.