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 57)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I've heard that one aspect of SCAN would allow for evicting people suspected of drug dealing from homes. A recent Yukon Supreme Court decision struck down this section of the SCAN Act as unconstitutional. How has this affected the government's work on SCAN legislation? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 57)

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Just over two months ago, a shooting occurred in the community of Fort Providence. This violence tragically resulted in one person being killed and two others injured. Shortly after their investigation began, the RCMP linked the shooting to the drug trade. Two days ago, media reported that the RCMP made an arrest in Kelowna, BC, and an individual be brought back to the Northwest Territories to face charges. I want to acknowledge the efforts of the RCMP in this investigation. The RCMP's hard work and unwavering dedication to our communities is very much appreciated.

Mr...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 56)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister say whether there is a timeline or -- yeah, a timeline for when residents should expect an election to be held for the hamlet of Enterprise? Thank you.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 56)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The government has noted the importance of stabilizing operations in Enterprise. Can the Minister of MACA explain what goals or targets community services would have to meet in order for the department to be satisfied that the governance and financial issues facing the hamlet have been resolved? Thank you.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 56)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to discuss Enterprise being put under administration.

Enterprise is still recovering from the 2023 wildfires which destroyed homes and businesses and displaced most of its residents. Mr. Speaker, there have been no clear plans since the fires. Enterprise lost people on its council in early 2024, and media reported widespread lack of confidence. On May 7, 2025, the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs made an order declaring the hamlet of Enterprise be placed under administration due to the governance, financial, and operational challenges...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 56)

Thank you. Can the Minister discuss what steps the new administrator is currently taking to enter into municipal service agreements with Hay River and other NWT communities to deliver or operate services, public utilities, or facilities in Enterprise? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 56)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to recognize -- they're kind of members of my family and friends of my family, Martha Simba married to my cousin from Kakisa; Tanya Roth from Norman Wells, Marie Douglas, North, Irene, Sholto, and the family that's there but from the late Robert Douglas. Thank you, and welcome to the House.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 55)

(audio) this has been my first year working in -- doing the job that I'm doing. And going through a lot of -- seeing a lot of things change, seeing a lot of things happen and not happen, the drugs are in our communities, they're devastating lives of our people, health care. I'm happy that we have the -- we passed a motion to allow medical escorts. Now I don't know how that's going to work out, but when it does work out people will be happy about that. We had some little wins. And I reiterate what a lot of my colleagues said, there were things that happened, we got some things, some things we...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 55)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Further to my Member's statement, can the Minister of Infrastructure say what the department's current plans are for the Merv Hardie Ferry. Thank you.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 55)

Well, she just answered two of my other questions. So well, in the event of an emergency, Mr. Speaker, such as a fire or flooding in the Deh Cho, I guess it's not useable so my question would be could the Merv Hardie be used for evacuation or other critical needs, however the Minister can answer that? Thank you.