Support

We need your help …
In order to complete the final 8 months of filming, Street Sisters requires your help. Everyone working on the film is donating their time but we need $60,000 to complete filming. This money is needed for food, transportation, field trips, resources and support for the sisters, supplies, guest honoraria, and stipends paid to each of the street sisters for their participation. If you would like to donate time, money or resources to the street sisters project, please send an email to fundraising@streetsisters.ca.

The Street Sisters would like to thank the following organizations and individuals for their assistance and support:

Peter Lucas; Nicole Galk; Judy Belcourt; Pat Fraser; Candice Massy; Peter Massy; Amber Short: and Michael Harris.

A very special thanks to: Vancouver Eastside Educational Enrichment Society ($10,000); Vancouver Coastal Health Aboriginal Health Strategic Initiatives ($10,000); SFU Insitute for the Humanities ($1000); Kinetic Video ($3000); and Peter Lucas & Nicole Galk ($4000).

Thanks to Stenberg College for funding the sisters one-on-one counselling and outreach for the next 8 months!

The sisters would like to thank: our facilitators - Marjorie White, Sylvia, Isaac, Leah Dan, and Dr. Gabor Mate; our guests - Tantoo Cardinal, Chief Marilynn Slett, and June Clearsky; the students at Blanche Macdonald for the makeover and Planet Claire Clothing for the clothing; the Medical Esthetic students from Stenberg College for the Spa Day; Dr. Martine Reid and the Bill Reid Gallery for the tour; the Firehall Arts Centre for Tantoo's play "Ernestine Shuswap gets her trout"; Waves Coffee House at Main & Cordova; H.A.V.E. Cafe; the staff at INSITE/ONSITE; and especially our friends at the LifeSkills Centre - Shawnah, Shane, Allison and Sarah.

Letters of Support

"It is my privilege to add my voice to the chorus of enthusiasm for the work of Les Merson. I saw "Something to eat, a place to sleep & someone who gives a damn" at the International Film Festival. The film humanises those who are homeless in a simple and straightforward way.
    I was impressed with Les himself. He is a man of depth and integrity. His world was blown open by what he learned about homelessness, and he was compelled to act on that. I was so impressed with his commitment in the form of going into partnership with Gloria Wilson for his next film. He is trusted by Gloria and her family/community. This bodes extremely well for their working relationship. Gloria is passionate about this opportunity to work behind the camera and bring more understanding to a community that has been so misrepresented in many ways. There is strong heart in this project.
    I am very excited by this project. It is my hope that they have the funding to accomplish what will be a dynamic and much needed storytelling."
- Tantoo Cardinal, 
Actress (Dances with Wolves, Smoke Signals, North of 60, Legends of the Fall, Loyalties)

"This is a letter in support of Les Merson's and Gloria Wilson's film project Street Sisters: First Person stories of survival & support from the Downtown Eastside. Les and Gloria are just the people to be making this film in a synergistic and collaborative way, and I am grateful that they have chosen to take it on. I believe with their vision and connection this film project will be moving, personal, and unflinchingly true to the aboriginal women of the downtown eastside.
    To provide some background: in traditional aboriginal societies women were equal to men and were entitled to be treated with respect. Many aboriginal societies were matriarchal where women were the ultimate holders of traditional and social power with responsibilities expressed in teachings handed down from mother to daughter. There has been a degeneration of the status of women in aboriginal societies. This is particularly true to the women who have left their communities and moved to the cities in their quest to improve their lives for themselves and children, where they find themselves often living well below the poverty line, in abusive relationships, or living day-to-day in sheters while battling drug and alcohol addiction.
    It is important that society at large understand the stories of the downtown eastside women, their lives are important as we strive to collectively move forward as a people, as we are all connected. Documetnary films such as this are significant in our healing journeys; it will make a vital step in the process of recognition and action. I have no doubt that the film will attract a vast audience among the general viewing public and will touch the hearts of thousands as the stories of abuse, healing and hope are both compelling and instructive. No greater impetus for action exists and I urge you to support this important film project. It will undoubtedly be a catalyst for the advocacy of aboriginal women in the downtown eastside."
- Marilyn Slett
Chief Councillor, Heiltsuk Tribal Council

"I want to strongly lend my support to this new film project. Street Sisters will continue to expose the inequality faced by Aboriginal women within Canadian society. I believe the film will capture the generational effects of colonization faced by Aboriginal women. This alone is an important contribution to the understanding of homelessness in this country. I look forward to future films by this film-making team."
- Patrick Stewart, MAIBC, MRAIC, SAA, Luugigyoo
President, National Aboriginal Housing Association & Chair, Aboriginal Homeless Steering Committee

"As a First Nations woman I feel strongly that there is a need to hear directly from the Aboriginal women who struggle with homelessness and addictions on a daily basis. I believe this will not only help to humanize them but will act as a deterrent for other Aboriginal women. The fact that the women intend to leave a legacy for their own family speaks volumes in their desire to help their children and family avoid ending up in their situation.
    This movie has the intent to invert stereotypes that often fuel the fire and this has me very eager to see the result of the eight women who will take this film as an opportunity to do something positive. 
    Therefore, I strongly support the proposed new project Street Sisters: Stories of Survival and Support in the Downtown Eastside by Gloria Wilson and Les Merson. As well as look forward to seeing the women portrayed exactly as Gloria says that ‘these women are not garbage. They are my friends, my family. They deserve dignity, respect and understanding. They have been abandoned and forgotten for too long!'"
- Charlene Smoke, BA
First Nations Studies, UBC
Executive Assistant, First Nations Education Steering Committee

"I am writing to strongly endorse the efforts of Les Merson and Gloria Wilson in the creation of the documentary film Street Sisters: First Person stories of survival and support from the Downtown Eastside.… Les Merson has an established track record on dealing with poverty and social problems in a sensitive and compassionate way. He is well regarded both in the documentary film industry and in the community of service agencies working in the Downtown Eastside. His previous documentary "Something to eat, a place to sleep and someone who gives a damn" was a powerful and poignant testimony to the heroic efforts of those who struggle against enormous odds in trying to live a life of dignity despite societal stigma and personal tragedy.
    Clearly a political commitment is needed to bring healing to the lives of the people Les Merson is committed to. This commitment will not be achieved unless there is a broader understanding by the community of the problems and a greater empathy for those requiring our support. Mr. Merson's ambition is not to provide a voyeuristic experience to the viewer but instead to challenge each of us to take responsibility and ultimately action in support of our fellow citizens, the subjects of his work.
    The Street Sisters Project needs our support. This film will help agencies such as the Portland Hotel Society accomplish its social objectives. It will help the broader community understand its obligations. And ultimately the film will lead to healing in one of the most challenging problems faced by our society.
- Liz Evans, 
Executive Director, Portland Hotel Society

Les Merson's first documentary, Something to eat, a place to sleep and someone who gives a damnrestores a sense of dignity and humanity to those who are too often marginalized and ignored. The film is a real eye opener and encourages dialogue and promotes awareness.
    Les continues to demonstrate his commitment to challenge prejudice and ignorance. His new project with Gloria Wilson promises to be just as thought-provoking and important as his first.
- Julia Zado, 
Director of Communications, Coast Mental Health

"I am pleased to write a letter of support for Street Sisters: First Person stories of survival and support from the Downtown Eastside. I became acquainted with the work of Les Merson and Gloria Wilson through the launch of the film Something To eat, A Place to Sleep and Someone who gives a Damn. This portrayal of homelessness is hard hitting, real, and filled with heart and hope. It does what other films on homelessness often fail to do. The film effectively presents real people with real lives in an eroding societal context and moves to real solutions. It does not demonize nor does it further marginalize members of our society who are often excluded from decision making. It provides an excellent background to the structural issues that have contributed to and shaped homelessness and the way in which people lives are affected. It debunks myths about homelessness such as the belief that homelessness is a choice. 
    Recently, we had an opportunity to premiere the film in Victoria during the Movie Monday Films and Forums on Homelessness. This provided an opportunity for the public to view the film, talk with the filmmakers and Gloria. This film is an important work and contribution to effecting public awareness and changes that will end homelessness. Making the film changed the filmmakers and the film communicates the importance of that change to others. As a faculty member in the School of Nursing at University of Victoria I have recommended film to community leaders and will use the film in my classes. It captures very succinctly the issues, the challenges and the solutions in way that gives real hope … This new film reflects an ongoing commitment to working with people in vulnerable social situations to improve conditions in society.
    I want to give my strong support for the new project. Aboriginal peoples have long been exposed to the effects of colonization and have been pathologized and managed. I believe this film which focuses on the issues and capacities of Aboriginal women will be an important contribution to bringing an accessible and meaningful understanding of the issues and solutions. An important aspect is the collaborative nature of the proposed new film with women who have expertise in the topic. Such approaches are integral to successful societal responses."
- Dr. Bernadette M. Pauly RN, Ph.D
Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, University of Victoria

"This letter is to confirm our continued support for film projects by Les Merson. We were able to corporately and personally provide some minor support for Something to eat, a place to sleep & someone who gives a damn. That support was a thank you to Les for being that someone who gives a damn.
    The new project Street Sisters: First Person stories of survival & support from the Downtown Eastside is another story that needs to be told. These are real people, and they have been failed by the system. We are witnessing an epidemic of homelessness and hopelessness, and these films will raise awareness of the problems and hopefully encourage more people to assist with finding solutions.
    It is critical that we not only care - but that we contribute as well."
- Robert Prendergast
President, TEC The Education Company

"I am more than pleased to write a letter in support of the documentary film and project Street Sisters: First Person stories of survival and support from the Downtown Eastside by Gloria Wilson and Les Merson. In many roles but in particular as former Child and Youth Advocate for the City of Vancouver, longtime frontline Child and YouthCare practitioner and as the author of the report to government whose title I felt honored to have Mr. Merson use as the title of his first documentary, I am very familiar with the issues, the locale and many of the people for whom Mr. Merson offers a voice to raise awareness and create social change.
    Mr. Merson's first film, Something to eat a place to sleep and someone who gives a damn, illustrates why projects by Mr. Merson are projects in which we should invest to work on social change. This first documentary shows Les's approach [which is all too rare] as a respectful, informative and challenging one. The film provides many perspectives - thereby evidencing the complexity of the issue instead of needing to provide the all too typical lecturing about it, and presents the viewer with the opportunity to hear directly from those involved - thereby avoiding the not really impactful approach of relying on the objective expert. And this genuine respect for those who are closest to the issue is not a ‘one-off' occurrence in the making of the film.  This value came through in the inclusiveness of the panel composition accompanying the premiere screening of the film and in the photographic series by Ken Villeneuve accompanying the documentary which captures character and individuality in each of the images. What comes through is a reality of everyday - a reality much harsher than most of those who would view the film but an everyday reality to which people can connect.  Les clearly understands the power in creating space for the voices of people directly experiencing a problem to speak as no others can - from those without homes to those working to assist which includes police to city hall to art dealer on Granville. Thus, the story he helps tell informs and challenges on a very human level. And it is important to note that while the film is the most clearly public aspect of the project, Mr. Merson's commitment to social action shows in the fact that he has and is continuing to keep in touch with the people in the film and to pass this information on. It is the genuineness of his commitment that empowers the documentary work in which he is involved. And it is this genuineness that makes work in which he is involved a potentially powerful vehicle for social change.
    The respect and genuine concern in the first documentary project is already revealing itself in Street Sisters: the first billing is given to the person with the direct experience - in this case, Gloria Wilson; the project is as much a documentary as a plan, led by a respected community Elder, to assist the women whose stories will be told, to regain their spirit. Again, this is not about ‘the objective expert' speaking - but about creating space for our sisters - people to whom we are connected - to share their stories in their way.
    I strongly support Street Sisters: First Person stories of survival and support from the Downtown Eastsideby Gloria Wilson and Les Merson."
- Dr. Penny Parry, PhD

"I strongly support Les Merson's new documentary, Street Sisters: First Person stories of survival and support from the Downtown Eastside. This film will be a follow-up to his award-winning "Something to Eat, a Place to Sleep, & Someone who Gives a Damn." One of the many strengths of this film was the sense it communicated of its characters--Gloria Wilson, Anne Campbell, Jodi Iverson, Nigel Baker, Edward Green, and Avalon Daughtrey--as real and complex people, to whom the audience at the showing I attended responded strongly and warmly. At no point does the film diminish them into mere victims or statistics. Merson's concern is with individual lives and how they are affected by homelessness. I believe that the new film, in which Merson will work with Gloria Wilson, one of the DTES residents he focuses on in Something to Eat, will have the same vital quality of respect for the people it portrays, in this case aboriginal women. As Merson and Wilson insist, although their movie will focus on women in the midst of poverty, addiction, and homelessness, "it will invert stereotypes and show both the aboriginal and non-aboriginal communities that these women are human beings: courageous, unique, valuable, interesting, insightful, intelligent, humorous and beautiful - just as they are." It is just this sense of the unique and particular that made the earlier film fascinating to watch. 
Merson's first documentary has received considerable attention from CBC Vancouver and from the local press, bringing a new sensitivity to a problem which too many in the media had been tending to see as "old news," unlikely to attract the interest of readers or listeners. The impact of the documentary was intensified by the photographic exhibition that accompanied it (and that also focused on the faces of individuals) as well as by the panel discussions that followed several of the showings.
    Merson's dedication both to the sharing of his vision through movies and to his friends on the Downtown Eastside promises a most interesting and valuable outcome to this new project."
Dr. June Sturrock
Emeritus Professor of English,
Acting Associate Director, Graduate Liberal Studies,
Simon Fraser University

"Having spent 20 years as a professional in media production I was extremely impressed by Mr. Merson's 2008 film entitled Something to eat, a place to sleep & someone who gives a damn. Not only was the technical quality of a high caliber but more importantly it created a unique and revealing perspective that provided audiences with an opportunity to connect with the human dignity that lies below the surface stereotypes of poverty and homelessness. It handled a very important and sensitive subject in a meaningful compassionate and respectful manner.
    In a country committed to worldwide human rights, the poverty and homelessness in our own streets and backyards should be a major concern that binds us Canadians together in a common quest for real solutions. Surely, one of the first steps needed, in order to spark our compassion and motivation to act, is to increase our collective awareness and understanding of the situation by meeting the real people who deal with poverty and homelessness on a daily basis, hear their stories, and see their realities through their eyes.
    I believe that Mr. Merson and his colleague Ms. Wilson are the right people for this task and their proposed film will be able to make a significant contribution to this purpose if given appropriate support and opportunity. For this reason I am writing to express my confidence in and support for their documentary project Street Sisters: First Person stories of survival & support from the Downtown Eastsideand to ask you to please do what you can to support the making of this important documentary film.
- Don Ramos
Vice President, Education, TEC The Education Company

"We are writing to endorse Les Merson and Gloria Wilson in the creation of the documentary film "Street Sisters: First Person stories of survival and support from the Downtown Eastside." This film needs to be seen by Canadians and we trust that these two individuals are the ones that can produce it in a way that it will have the impact and the strength to make a difference. 
    We believe that this vitally important project will serve as an instrument of social change at a time when change is critical. Following the stories of eight aboriginal women seeking to transform their lives, and the lives of their children, provides a powerful context to unveil poverty, drug addiction and homelessness. In an era where aboriginal women in Canadian communities are making international news as a population with a crisis escalation of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, it is time to ensure that as many Canadians as possible hear the stories these women share and celebrate and support them in their quest for transformation. With broadcast support, it is inspiring to consider the potential to not only destroy stereotypes but to restore hope, dreams and lives with potential. 
    Les Merson is very well qualified to bring these stories into the mainstream. His award-winning documentary, Something to eat, a place to sleep & someone who gives a damn is clearly an example of the remarkable force his work has. We also know Les Merson from years of working with him at Stenberg College. An educator at heart, with a tenacious capacity to make incredible things happen, Les' accomplishments are numerous and have also included the coordination of several large-scale socially conscious conferences:

• 2007 Realizing Our Potential: A Symposium on Human Rights for People with Mental Illness
• 2006 Educating Our World: the Power of People (keynote: Stephen Lewis, Canada's former Ambassador to the United Nations and the UN's Special Envoy for HIV / AIDS in Africa)
• 2004 Caring for Our Youth: A Symposium on Child & Youth Care - Event with over 1000 individuals attending a two day symposium.

    We know that Les can bring to life the stories of these aboriginal women in a way that brings new empathy, light, insight and hope to their lives and communities - he has the both the vision and the ability to make this happen. With the perspective and support of Gloria Wilson to inform the production of Street Sisters, we hope to be among the millions of Canadians to learn from and be inspired by this film."
- Sarina Corsi, EdM
Director of Education, Stenberg College
- Jacquie Stene-Murphy
Director of Faculty & Student Affairs, Stenberg College
- Wendy Turnbull
Director of Industry Relations, Stenberg College

"Les' dedication to issues of social justice has led him to reach out to individuals in need, sometimes at great personal risk and expense. Indeed, his first film was inspired by and dedicated to a former colleague of ours whose fight with addiction has been supported selflessly by Les for years. As a result of the people he met while filming his first documentary, he also rallied support for and achieved the relocation into a safe, warm and dry apartment of two individuals living on the streets of the downtown eastside. His altruism goes beyond just talking or preaching. It manifests itself in tangible action with real results. 
    Among his many talents, Les Merson has a rare gift for communicating his vision to others and for bringing into being even the most ambitious of his imaginings. These attributes, in particular, are well suited to the craft of filmmaking and when coupled with his lifelong and very sincere commitment to social justice they are ideal for a film project on homelessness. The driving force behind Les' ability to make his dreams a reality is an unstoppable work ethic, and this is accompanied by unparalleled creativity and resourcefulness - a potent combination which ensures that he accomplishes anything to which he sets his mind and energy.
    He is my colleague of over a decade, but he is also my great friend and I do not give away that title lightly. He is a passionate man who I have never seen more passionate about anything since I've known him. He is a principled man who I have never seen more driven toward a cause than I see him now. He is a visionary whose vision has never been clearer than it is now. He is an impossibly competent man whose talents have never been more directed than they are now. He has truly found his calling, and I am immensely proud of him for what he has done and for everything I know absolutely that he will achieve.
    Not only is Les Merson and the cause he represents deserving of all the support that we can give him, monetary and otherwise, he is also the most bankable individual I know. In a world where investment of any kind is more uncertain than ever, we all want to know that every dollar out is paid back with interest in terms of its effect or impact. I cannot conceive of a better return on investment ratio in the field of media and social justice combined than that presented by the intersection of Les' vision and abilities. Only a failure to support his cause will constitute a risk of loss."
- Jeremy Sabell,
Executive Director, Stenberg College