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
Sheryl_Yakeleya@ntassembly.ca
Phone
(867) 767-9143(link is a phone number)

Statements in Debates

Question 740-20(1): Support for Electricity Costs in Dehcho
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 61)

Thank you. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. She probably answered a little bit of this, but I need it to be on the -- say it again. Can the Minister say whether this work is dependent on applications for federal funding or more part of our government's budget initiatives? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 740-20(1): Support for Electricity Costs in Dehcho
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 61)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister for NTPC.

Can the Minister explain whether there's currently a plan in place to supply power to Fort Providence and Kakisa from the Taltson Hydro Project. Thank you?

Member’s Statement 676-20(1): Cost of Electricity for Dehcho Residents
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 61)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to discuss Northwest Territories Power Corporation, NTPC, and the Taltson Hydro Project which provides power to Enterprise and K'atlodeeche First Nation in my riding. NTPC's mandate includes investing in core assets, increasing the distribution customer base, reducing emissions, and reducing fuel consumption.

Mr. Speaker, it is important to promote affordable clean energy across the territory. But I want to see more affordable power rates in my riding, especially in Fort Providence and Kakisa. According to the 2023-2024 annual report, NTPC incurred limited...

Question 740-20(1): Support for Electricity Costs in Dehcho
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 61)

Thank you. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Will any of the work for projects in the region lead to the creation of new jobs within NTPC? Thank you.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 61)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize the Dene Zhatie translators here from the region. In the House are Sarah Gargan and Mary Jane Cazon and to thank them for their contribution to keep the language alive. Mahsi.

Question 677-20(1): Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act
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.

Member’s Statement 634-20(1): Community Safety in Fort Providence
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...

Question 677-20(1): Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 57)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister commit to ensuring consultation on this legislation is done as soon as possible and introduced as quickly as possible for the safety of the NWT? Thank you.

Question 677-20(1): Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 57)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The government is currently working on safer communities and neighbourhoods legislation. Can the Minister say what stage of development this legislation is in and when residents can expect the bill to be introduced? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 665-20(1): Administration of the Hamlet of Enterprise
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.