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
Member Sheryl Yakeleya
Dehcho
Member's Office

Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9
Canada

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

Statements in Debates

Member’s Statement 67-20(1): Indigenous Languages Month
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 6)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. [Translation unavailable].

Mr. Speaker, in the NWT, February is the Indigenous Languages Month which was first celebrated in the NWT in 1993 as one designated day; however, the NWT's first Language Commissioner recommended, based on feedback from NWT residents, that the territory devote more than just one day to celebrate the importance of languages within our society. Since then, the NWT remains the only jurisdiction in the country with an entire month celebrating the Indigenous languages. The NWT is also the only jurisdiction that has 11 official languages.

Mr. Speaker...

Motion 17-20(1): Government of the Northwest Territories Response to Tabled Document 28-20(1)
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 6)

Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Thursday, February 22nd, 2024, I will move the following motion:

Now therefore I move, second by the Member for Yellowknife North, that the Government of the Northwest Territories provide a response to Tabled Document 2720(1) and table it in this House within 120 days. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 60-20(1): Support for Indigenous Languages
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 6)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister assure the public that if and when interpreter services are required when accessing government services that interpretation services will be made available and provided in a timely manner? Thank you.

Question 60-20(1): Support for Indigenous Languages
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 6)

Thank you Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of ECE. Mr. Speaker, can the ECE Minister explain what her department is doing to support Indigenous languages in the NWT? Thank you.

Motion 3-20(1): Recommendation for Appointment of Members of the Executive Council
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 1)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Tuesday, December 12th, 2023, I will move the following motion:

Now therefore I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Frame Lake, that this Assembly recommend to the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories that the following Members be appointed to the Executive Council:

Mr. R.J. Simpson, the Member for Hay River North;

Mr. Vince Mckay, the Member for Hay River South;

Ms. Lesa Semmler, the Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes;

Ms. Caitlin Cleveland, the Member for Kam Lake;

Mrs. Lucy Kuptana, the Member for Nunakput;

Mr. Jay MacDonald, the Member for...

Motion 3-20(1): Recommendation for Appointment of Members of the Executive Council, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 1)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS section 61-1 of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act requires that there shall be an Executive Council of the Northwest Territories;

AND WHEREAS Members of the Executive Council are appointed by the Commissioner on the recommendation of the Legislative Assembly,

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, second by the honourable Member of Frame Lake, that this Assembly recommends to the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories that the following Members be appointed to the Executive Council:

Mr. R.J. Simpson, the Member for Hay River North;

Mr. Vince Mckay, the Member for...

Member’s Statement 7-20(1): Gratitude
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 1)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank all my constituents. I am honoured and humbled to be here to serve all my constituents and all my riding of the Deh Cho.

I would like to thank my family, especially my husband Norman and my children for supporting me, as well as my sisters. I have six sisters, and they all supported me and my brother, and all the constituents.

I would like to congratulate the Premier-elect and all the Members of the Cabinet. I wish them all the success in their new roles. I look forward to working with each and every one of you.

And I also want to wish my...