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 564-20(1): Cellular Coverage on Northwest Territories Highways
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 48)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Infrastructure on the cell service. When will the connections between the communities begin? Thank you.

Member’s Statement 538-20(1): Cellular Phone Coverage on Northwest Territories Highways
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 48)

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Today I want to speak about the lack of cell service across the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, I've heard from numerous Deh Cho constituents who have voiced their concerns about the lack of cell service when travelling on the NWT highway system. People have safety concerns regarding the inability to call for help if something were to happen while travelling on our highways. Mr. Speaker, some people have told me that this is an issue that affects them so much that they fear driving alone, especially to do business in other communities or to visit family. This issue affects all residents...

Question 564-20(1): Cellular Coverage on Northwest Territories Highways
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 48)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, are there any communication safety alternatives that can be put in place between Fort Providence and Yellowknife and the other communities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 48)

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I too would like to recognize Mary Jane Cazon and Sarah Gargan who do the Dene Zhatie translation. The work that they do is very important and needs to continue in assemblies such as this. Thank you. Mahsi.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 47)

Okay, yeah, given that all of the wildfires we went through in the last couple of years, it's top of mind for every -- with a lot of people, top of mind, thinking about the spring is coming. So have all the communities finished their emergency -- community emergencies plans in my region? I'm asking for the Deh Cho because I'm worried about things for the springtime. Thank you.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 47)

Just waiting to hear from -- just kidding. Emergency management. Okay, you said there's probably going to be the updates to the disaster assistance policy. What will be the updates?

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 47)

By the municipality.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 47)

Thank you. Further to my colleague's question here, the school of community governments, you do training for the people that run the arenas, organize staff, they organize community -- well, I guess they would need training for all of that. Are there qualifications that they need to have specific to this job? Like, the qualifications for the job, to do the job when they get hired on? Because you're training them how do use all this other equipment, but is there training they need for this? Like, schooling for -- to apply for a job in this area? Thank you.

Member’s Statement 528-20(1): K’amba Carnival
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 47)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this weekend is going to be a fun filled weekend in Hay River, Dene, the reserve. K'atlodeeche Reserve is hosting the annual K’amba Carnival this week through to March 2nd. That's this weekend.

Mr. Speaker, carnivals are happening all over the NWT this month and into April. This is a great opportunity to join in community events, take part and show your talent at indoor and outdoor activities.

At this weekend's K’amba Carnival, there will be dog sled races with dog mushers coming from as far as the Yukon and Saskatchewan to compete. It's nice that the...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 47)

No, that's good because I -- that's what I wanted to know about. And just continue to work at helping communities update their community emergency plans. That's top of mind because if things happen, it could get really chaotic in some places. So having our plans is always a way to make sure residents and communities feel safe. Thank you. More of a comment. Thank you.