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

Committee Motion 201-20(1): Committee Report 47-20(1): Standing Committee on Social Development Report on Healthcare Accountability and Sustainability - Government Response, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 97)

Mr. Chair, I move that the Chair rise and report progress.

Question 1300-20(1): Class of Fort Providence Airport
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 97)

Mahsi. And thank you to the Minister for that response. Can the Minister tell me why there isn't a terminal building at the airport in Fort Providence? Thank you.

Question 1300-20(1): Class of Fort Providence Airport
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 97)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister tell me if NWT airports are -- they're classified different ways? And what class is the Fort Providence airport? Thank you.

Question 1295-20(1): Fees for Long Term Care Clients
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 97)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The income threshold information came from the department's -- research got it for me. So can the Minister confirm what options are available to families who need care but fall outside of the income threshold for relief and cannot afford these fees. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Motion 80-20(1): Closing the Land Supply Gap in the City of Yellowknife, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 97)

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Due to the ongoing negotiations of the Deh Cho process with the Deh Cho First Nations and the Government of the Northwest Territories and respect for the First Nations and this process, I will be abstaining from this motion as well. Thank you.

Member's Statement 1081-20(1): Fees in Health and Social Services
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 97)

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the new health and social services fee guide shows how disconnected this government has become from the cost of living crisis. While residents are asking for relief, this government is increasing fees and adding new costs for essential care. Long-term care fees have gone up, and for the first-time residents will now be charged the daily fee for alternative level care and will be charged while waiting a long-term care bed effective July 1st, 2026. Each type of care will cost families more than $12,000 a year.

Mr. Speaker, this will hit small communities hard...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 97)

Mr. Chair, your committee wishes to consider Committee Report 45-20(1) and 47-20(1) Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Question 1300-20(1): Class of Fort Providence Airport
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 97)

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. When and if we get trained personnel and an operational ambulance in our community, will our airport be shut down? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 1295-20(1): Fees for Long Term Care Clients
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 97)

Mr. Speaker, further to this, will the Minister commit to suspending the new alternative level care charge and reviewing long-term care fees before families are forced to pay costs they cannot afford? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Question 1295-20(1): Fees for Long Term Care Clients
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 97)

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister explain how the department determined that $80,000 is the right threshold for financial hardship when these fees can cost more than $12,000 a year and residents are already facing a cost-of-living crisis? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.