Meet the Board
Emma Pope
Board Chair
Emma is Sahtúot’ine from Tłegǫ́hłı̨. She became a mother in 2022, but has witnessed for a long time the struggles and need for a daycare in the community. Emma joined ŁELS to be part of history and to help bring something that should be important to her community after struggling herself for so long. Working with the GNWT in Management and Recruitment Services, she sees first hand how no available childcare creates challenges for a families decision to move to and stay in Norman Wells. She wants to see the community she grew up in flourish with the new generation and generations to come.
Debra-Ann Walker
Board Member
Debra-Ann was raised in Norman Wells. She is passionate about bridging the gap for access to quality childcare services within the Sahtú. In 2020 Debra-Ann moved south to Edmonton to start her post-secondary education journey in the field of early learning and child development after recognizing a growing need for local childcare services. She joined the ŁELS board in 2025 after many passionate conversations with other residents regarding the lack of childcare in Norman Wells. Debra-Ann currently works as an Early Childhood Educator in Yellowknife.
Naokah Bailes
Board Member
Naokah is Sahtúot’ine, from Délı̨nę and raised in Tłegǫ́hłı̨. She became a mother in 2024, an experience that deepened her understanding of the importance of accessible, reliable, and high-quality childcare where children feel safe and supported to grow and thrive. She joined the Łegóhłı̨ Early Learning Society (LELS) Board to contribute to strengthening early learning opportunities for families in her community. Naokah is deeply passionate about creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn, grow, and stay connected to their ancestral lands. She is the Land-Based Programs Director with Black Spruce Education, where she supports youth through on-the-land programming that builds confidence, skills, and connection to culture and the land.
Interested in joining our Board?
Lexus Taureau
Board Member
Lexus is a K’asho Got’įnę Dene woman, residing in Norman Wells. She works for the Tłegóhłį Got’įnę Government where she is actively involved in organizing and supporting community events. As an active member of her community, she has spent many years working with children and building connections with families.
Lexus has a deep passion for the well-being, growth, and future of our children and the generations to come. As a Dene woman with strong roots in her community, she believes it is important to be involved in shaping a future where our children feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive. She understands the vital need for accessible, safe and nurturing childcare in Norman Wells and she is honoured to have the opportunity to join the ŁELS board. She looks forward to contributing her experience, perspective, and passion to help strengthen childcare in our community and support the next generation.
Meet our Staff
Niroshi Witharanage
Executive Director
Jenna Rae
Sahtú Sprouts Coordinator
Kylie Frank
Sahtú Sprouts Educator (part-time)