LLI GOLINE/NORMAN WELLS
Long-serving Sahtu MLA Norman Yakeleya took a page from the late Pierre Trudeau's notebook in deciding that now is the right time for him to retire.

Sahtu MLA Norman Yakeleya has announced he won't be running in next month's election. He has served almost 12 years, since 2003. - photo courtesy of Norman Yakeleya

Trudeau famously went out for a walk in a snowstorm in 1984 and decided that after four terms in office as prime minister, it was time to step down. Last week, Yakeleya also decided that he will not seek a fourth term as the member of the legislative assembly for the Sahtu after giving it some serious thought.

"I went for a walk in the snow and my legs were aching quite a bit and I knew that . I am not going to be in the best shape to do the work that my people deserve," he said. "I came to a point in my life where I said I need to take care of my health and my family. It was not an easy decision."

Yakeleya had a bad fall at his home in Norman Wells which he shares with his wife Cheryl and his 13-year-old son Chase on Sept. 7 after a railing gave way. Yakeleya hurt his back and his leg so badly that he had to be flown to Yellowknife for treatment.

Yakeleya, 56, said he did not reach the decision to retire easily.

"I love what I am doing. I love to be of service to the people in my region. There are some really good people in this region who can do the job," he said. "I came to the realization that I need to be here and I need to be well. I have a beautiful family, lots of friends. I need to be around for a while."

Yakeleya said he is not sure exactly who is seriously considering running in the Sahtu in the Nov. 23 territorial election.

"There are rumours flying around about who might put their name in but I really don't know yet. I won't know until the writ drops on Oct. 26," he said.

He does have a bit of advice for the person who does replace him as MLA.

"Listen to the elders. Learn how to work with people . those who agree with you and those who don't. Take care of yourself and smile when things get tough and just keep working and get results for people in the region."

Yakeleya said that he believes it is crucial that young people in the Sahtu are given reasons to stay in the region. He would like to see the next generation engaged in the political process so that the people of the Sahtu can determine their own future rather than it being done by politicians and bureaucrats who live elsewhere.

As a residential school survivor, he said getting the territorial government to acknowledge the harm done to people by residential schools is among his proudest moments.

"Bringing a motion, making a contribution to the government officially recognizing May 26 as a national reconciliation, healing day for all the residential school survivors," he said. "Those people were dealt a bad hand of cards and we are a small territory and we need each other. We need to be able to talk to each other."

Yakeleya said speaking with elders in the community on a regular basis and learning from them has also been one of his biggest highlights during his time in office.

Not securing a full-time nurse or an RCMP officer for Colville Lake are among his biggest disappointments as a politician, Yakeleya said. He added it has been nothing but his privilege to work with his fellow MLAs and ministers and government staff.

Yakeleya said he is looking forward to spending more time with his four kids and their families including his four grandchildren.

Range Lake MLA Daryl Dolynny said he is sorry to see his friend Norman leave.

"I have a high degree of respect for that man. He was a hard working MLA. He was always well prepared. He was old school," said Dolynny.

He served for almost 12 years having been first elected to the 13th assembly in 2003.

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