Ruth Derksen Siemens is a first-generation Russian Mennonite who grew up in Vancouver. Her publications include both refereed and non-refereed articles, anthologies, and books. A one-hour documentary Through the Red Gate was released in Fall 2007. The first volume of letters, “Remember Us:” Letters from Stalin’s Gulag (1930-37) was launched in December 2007. A subsequent book, Daughters in the City: Mennonite Maids in Vancouver, 1931-61 was launched in June 2013.