KBIC Honors Victims of Domestic Violence with 14th Annual Memorial Walk

For fourteen years the Keweenaw Bay Indian community has walked in memory of Chelsey LaFernier. She was a victim of domestic violence and was tragically taken from the community in 2009 after being murdered by her then-boyfriend. The LaFernier Memorial Walk honors her memory and brings awareness to the issue of domestic violence. The day will start with the local community walking from Lyons Street and McMillan Street, past the home Chelsey lived at the time, and to the Niiwin Akeea Center. There those in attendance will join in a meal together, and hear from two speakers, Heather Syrette

“And she’ll be talking about community-based advocacy, versus systems-based advocacy. There is a little bit of a difference. And those are the types of services we offer at the transitional home.” Carole LaPointe, Director of Victim Services, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

and Justin Mandosking.

“And he’ll be talking about the challenges of two-spirit and LGBTQIA+ individuals, and the issues they face in tribal communities.” Carole LaPointe, Director of Victim Services, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

KBIC Director of Victim Services and Outreach Carole LaPointe says that the walk reminds the area that domestic violence can show up anywhere in the Upper Peninsula. And because violence against a partner can happen anywhere people throughout the community need to become educated on what signs to look for.

“We’ll be talking about different issues we deal with in the field of domestic violence. Bring awareness of domestic violence. The other types of violence; sexual assault, teenage violence, stalking, murdered and missing women, and intimate partner violence. We have a walk to bring awareness to all of these issues.” Carole LaPointe, Director of Victim Services, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

All of those who register for the memorial walk will receive a memorial walk shirt. Registration will begin at 11 a.m., and the walk will start at noon. During the feast at the Niiwin Akeea Center, there will be drums, guest speakers, and a 50/50 raffle. The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community encourages the Copper Country to attend the Lafernier Memorial Walk.

Those interested in pre-registering for the memorial walk can use the QR code associated with the poster below.