The annual March for Justice for Lisa was held in Nanaimo, B.C., on June 26, 2022, as community members gathered to mark 24 years since Lisa Marie Young disappeared. The event, organized by family and supporters, aimed to keep the case in the public eye and pressure authorities to continue investigating.
Vigil honors Lisa Marie Young
Dozens of people attended the vigil, carrying signs and photos of Young, who was last seen in Nanaimo in June 2002. Her family spoke emotionally about the ongoing pain of not knowing what happened. “Lisa will never be forgotten,” said her mother, according to reports. The case remains unsolved, but supporters vow to keep fighting for answers.
The March for Justice has become an annual tradition, drawing attention to missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Young was of Indigenous descent, and her case is part of a broader national crisis. According to the RCMP, there have been no significant breakthroughs in recent years, but the investigation remains open.
Community demands action
Speakers at the vigil called for more resources for missing persons cases and better coordination between police and families. “We need answers, not just promises,” said a family friend. The event also included a moment of silence and a candlelight walk through downtown Nanaimo.
Lisa Marie Young was 21 years old when she disappeared after a night out with friends. She was last seen getting into a car near a Nanaimo nightclub. Despite extensive searches and multiple tips, no trace of her has ever been found. The case has been featured on national missing persons databases and in media reports over the years.
Ongoing investigation
The Nanaimo RCMP continue to urge anyone with information to come forward. A reward of up to $100,000 has been offered for information leading to a conviction. Police have not ruled out foul play and have interviewed numerous persons of interest, but no charges have been laid.
The vigil also highlighted the broader issue of violence against Indigenous women. According to the Native Women's Association of Canada, Indigenous women are disproportionately likely to go missing or be murdered. Young's family hopes that by keeping her story alive, they can help prevent similar tragedies.
