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

Sheryl Yakeleya
Dehcho
Member's Office

Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9
Canada

P.O. Box
1320

Statements in Debates

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.

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?

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...

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.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 58)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Health and Social Services further to my colleague's questions.

Is there a mechanism or a thought of the Department of Health and Social Services to work with other jurisdictions to create a cross-border agreement with other provinces and territories to ensure residents get care when they need -- when and where and can be transported home if needed? And this is looking at a new way to do business, to support our residents that may need emergency travel or emergency health care in other jurisdictions, if needed. Thank you.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 58)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What formats such as radio, pamphlets, posters, are used in health promotion campaigns to target different demographics, such as youth and elders? Thank you.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 58)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Access to health care and addressing the effects of trauma is a priority of this Assembly. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, my colleague, the Member for Yellowknife North, touched on health promotion and well-being in our small communities, which is an issue I have raised in the past and something I am passionate about. We have people living with diabetes or cancer. Reliable health information can be life changing and lifesaving. Other people need information about quitting smoking, prevention, nutrition, getting active, sexual health, and education about substance abuse. Across...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 58)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Given that, you know, we know every jurisdiction is different and doing business a different way and a new way is different too. So will the Minister consider this looking at doing it a little different, being the voice for the North, and creating something different that might work for the residents of the Northwest Territories? Thank you.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 58)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to ask the Minister what areas of health promotion are prioritized in small communities? Thank you.