Yellowknife Streets

"I've been in Yellowknife since 2007. I'm use to this cold."

"Sometimes, life on the streets can complicate things when it comes to morality and decision making. For many street people survival and doing the right thing are often in conflict. Once, JJ found a wallet with $800 cash inside. The owner’s identification was still inside. JJ acted in good faith with the hopes that he might get a small reward when he returned the wallet. The owner of the wallet did not offer him anything and JJ was upset by this because he could have easily taken the money and would not have considered it stealing but rather survival. I found it interesting that many of the people on the street might not want to steal or otherwise break the law, but when it comes to surviving they will do what they feel they need to." - Yellowknife Street Stories

Leon "We talked a little bit about downtown and about coffee and that’s when gave me his opinion on the best places to go for a cup. Leon recommended the Gold Range Bistro or The Diner but pointed at the A&W and said, “Right here is really good too.”"

This is my second time meeting up with Tom. He doesn't say much but he is often laughing and smiling. 

I asked Randy what his favourite memory of sitting in front of the Post Office Building was and he told me "My favourite memories are the times of fellowship I had with other people. People like a man named Brian who would often bring myself and other coffee and tea and sit and chat." Randy continued by saying "Some might see it as loitering or soliciting, but many of us are just  friends who just gather her and have a seat."

Floyd, Happy, Christine

"You don't!"

"Being able to get into the bush. You can really enjoy nature there."

"I don't have one. I'm too old to have memories. I'm like 70 years old."

"What would you tell a large group of people?"  "I would tell them to share their love" "Why should people share their love?"  "Because nobody wants to be alone and everybody wants love in their life."

Dave is from Fort Fitzgerald, which is near Fort Smith, Northwest Territories. He has lots of family who still live there but he resides in Lutselk’e with several other family members. When he was younger he always looked up to the RCMP: “Back then they always wore really fancy uniforms with red jackets and nice hats.” When he was a little boy, he wanted to become an RCMP officer but that was a dream he was never able to fulfill.

"I would tell them to get together, have bannock and drum dance"

Charlie - He always knew how to strike a pose when I asked for a photo. Hands would go up in the air and he would dance like he just didn't care.

Douglas - He is not homeless but I'm sure many of us recognize his face from walking up and down Franklin Ave. When I spoke with him he gave me this really thought provoking quote: "I like Yellowknife, but I don't love it" Can anyone relate to this?

Less so the video and more so the website, they are featuring different homeless people and some information about themselves. I think this is wonderful and the smile are beautiful. More can be found here: www.makethemvisible.com

Eric and Mary were all smiles when I met them. They took great pride in posing for the photo.

Your welcome, I'm happy you enjoy it.