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 451-20(1): Closure of Aurora College Community Learning Centres
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 40)

Thank you. Does the Department of Education, Culture and Employment have a plan to address the need for academic upgrading and basic literacy programming in small communities, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Member’s Statement 454-20(1): Aurora College Community Learning Centres Closure
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 40)

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. [No translation provided]. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Aurora College recently announced that in June that they will be closing 19 community learning centres across the territory, including centres in the Deh Cho riding. Mr. Speaker, these centres offer many programs from basic literacy classes to courses at a grade 12 level. They provide adult learners with the space to complete high school credits, a place where instructors give in-person support, help people develop career plans, and help them make decisions about pursuing post-secondary education.

Community learning centres also...

Question 451-20(1): Closure of Aurora College Community Learning Centres
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 40)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister tell me will the funding that was allocated for community learning centres be reinvested into opportunities for adult learners in the NWT, for specifically small communities. Thank you.

Question 451-20(1): Closure of Aurora College Community Learning Centres
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 40)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the ECE minister. Were residents in small communities consulted about the closure of the Aurora College's community learning centres? Thank you.

Question 439-20(1): Respite and Home Care in Dehcho Communities
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 39)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Is it possible to staff -- is it possible to have an extended program to have home care workers work after hours to assist elders or people with disabilities in my riding? Thank you.

Member’s Statement 447-20(1): Respite and Home Care in Dehcho Communities
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 39)

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker [no translation available].

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to discuss the critical need for respite services and aftercare -- after hours home care in my riding. Mr. Speaker, many elders want to live in their homes for as long as possible. The GNWT currently provides residents with home and community care service after medical based -- after a medical needs-based assessment. This includes respite services so full-time caregivers can take a break. The respite program for local communities is funded by health and social services and supports families in small communities...

Question 439-20(1): Respite and Home Care in Dehcho Communities
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 39)

Okay, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister explain which home and community care services are currently offered in my riding, the communities in my riding?

Question 439-20(1): Respite and Home Care in Dehcho Communities
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 39)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. These questions are for the Minister of health.

Mr. Speaker, in the past we have heard about paramedics assisting at NWT health centres to help with staff shortages. Can the Minister advise if similar initiatives are being looked at to address the lack of first responders and after hour care in the communities in my riding of Kakisa, Fort Providence, Enterprise, and Hay River Reserve. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 35)

Another question I have on another one is what is the fencing upgrades and security camera installation for Inuvik Happy Valley Territorial Park; why cameras and fencing? Thank you.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 35)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Is that going to be used year-round? Is that the year-round access? If it's year-round, it will be heated I'm assuming? Thank you.