Waterfront dedication site unveiled for Nanaimo’s Lisa Marie Young

Moses Martin, Young’s grandfather, had tears rolling down his eyes as he addressed a crowd of about 100 people as rain poured and heavy winds whipped off the ocean.

Martin said “its been very uplifting” seeing so many people show their support during less than ideal conditions.

“It’s something that’s very difficult for us still as a family because we haven’t brought any closure to it,” he said.

A site recognizing her granddaughter and other missing and murdered Indigenous females and two-spirit people holds deep meaning, Martin said.

He recalled being on multiple search efforts for his granddaughter, feeling torn about what they could uncover.

“As we were coming to the search area we’d be praying that we’d find Lisa’s remains. And then once we’d get closer I’d pray the other way hoping that she’d still be alive,” Martin said.

Moses Martin, Lisa Young’s grandfather. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Lisa’s father, Don Young, and many others took turns shovelling soil on to Lisa’s tree.

Young looks forward to spending more time there.

“It’s just nice to see everybody supporting her…a lot of people know about it, it’s nice that people are still involved in supporting,” he said.

Mayor Leonard Krog told the crowd what happened to Young highlights the prevalence of gender-based violence and the importance of intervening when necessary.

He said Young’s case shows that raising good sons is paramount.

“It is not up to us just as a collective, it is up to us as citizens, and it’s up to leadership,” Krog said.

Frustrating investigation

Despite numerous organized RCMP and informal searches by family and friends, Young’s remains have never been found.

Nobody has been arrested or charged in her disappearance, which remains an ongoing Nanaimo RCMP investigation.

Young’s case is the focus of ongoing public awareness events, most notably an annual march during the Canada Day Long weekend between the Nanaimo RCMP detachment and Maffeo Sutton Park.

Young’s disappearance received vastly increased interest following a compelling podcast series by former Vancouver newsroom producer Lisa Palmer.

Island Crime Season 1: Where is Lisa? is available on multiple podcast platforms.

In the months following the release of the podcast, several witnesses police said were hesitant to come forward previously had provided “credible and important” information to their investigation.

A dedication plaque at Departure Bay Beach pays tribute to Young and other murdered/missing Indigenous females and two spirited people. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Lisa Marie Young with her trademark bright smile. (submitted photo)

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Ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes

by Ian Holmes

Waterfront dedication site unveiled for Nanaimo’s Lisa Marie Young

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