A Walk to Remember
Domestic Violence Awareness event held Saturday
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BARAGA -- Dozens of purple-clad community members marched down Baraga’s Lyons Street and onto M-38 Saturday afternoon for the 17th Annual Chelsey LaFernier Memorial Domestic Violence Awareness Walk. The crowd, who came to honor and remember past and current victims of domestic violence, walked from McGillan Street, where it met Lyons Street, all the way to the Niiwin Akeaa Community Center, all in the name of spreading awareness.
KBIC Survivor Support Services and Programs Director Sierra Ayres said awareness is the key to ending domestic violence. "I think it's important for the community to gather around issue of violence, particularly around domestic violence," she said. "Also to gather together in support of survivors who are still living."
The walk started past the house where LaFernier, a KBIC member, was murdered by someone she'd been dating in 2009. October is officially recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The aroma of sage and tobacco wafted through the crisp fall air, a sign of spirituality and remembrance in the community. Before the walk commenced, two community members led a traditional drum chant.
Ayres said the fight is still not over, even after all these years. "This is 17 years running. We have not seen domestic violence dramatically decrease," she said. "So, the fact that community members keep showing up tells me folks are open to talking about this, learning about this, and supporting survivors."
After the walk, several speakers shared stories inside the Niiwin Akeaa gym. A feast was also held as a sign of tradition and healing. Ayres said community gatherings over food is an important staple of the Indian community in the Baraga-L'Anse area.
Those in crisis, or experiencing domestic violence, can call KBIC's hotline at 906-353-4599. Ayres added there are other resources locally people can use.
"Baraga County Shelter Home in L'Anse," she noted. "Copper Shores in Houghton County has the Child Advocacy Center... we always encourage folks to reach out if they have questions. It takes people a while to feel comfortable talking about and admitting they might be experiencing domestic violence, and another step to call and access services."