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

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

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

Member???s Statement 749-20(1): South Slave Regional Economic Development Plan
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.

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

Thank you, Mr. Chair. My question about the Kakisa health cabin, you said the one that was there burned, and so now they're going to build another one. When do you anticipate -- it looks like it's -- the study's going on next year and the year after. So when do you anticipate this building to be working or built? Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would like the fact sheets, thank you. Don't need to share it here.

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

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Now, Canada housing infrastructure fund, that has to do with housing. What is it -- like, so you said it's -- does this have to do with housing? Like, can MACA apply for housing for the community governments? Thank you.

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

Sorry, Mr. Chair. I don't have another question for that.

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. With the high cost of living and limited infrastructure cited as barriers to small business success, how is the department working with other GNWT departments to improve internet connectivity, housing availability, and transportation infrastructure in the Deh Cho riding to support economic development? 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. My questions are to the Minister of ECE.

Given the clear need for small business supports in regions like the Deh Cho, what specific steps is the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment taking to reduce regulatory barriers and streamline access to programs and resources for entrepreneurs in remote communities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.