The mother of Cortney Lake, a young woman murdered just over a year ago, says she was shocked initially to learn of changes to what was the In Her Name vigil—but is pleased the St. John’s Status of Women’s Council is listening to affected families.
The St. John’s Status of Women’s Council has made accommodations after the annual event shifted back to its original purpose—a time to remember and honour missing and murdered women.
The Sisters in Spirit Vigil is taking place this evening.
The Status of Women’s Council heard from families of victims surprised and disappointed with the change.
Lisa Benton-Lake is the mother of Cortney Lake who was killed soon after being picked up by a former boyfriend in June of 2017. Philip Smith’s body was found near Belleview Beach in November of that same year. Police say he is the only suspect in the case.
Brenton-Lake says In Her Name means a lot to her family and she’s pleased the vigil is being moved to December 6. She says In Her Name keeps Cortney’s name alive and she will keep her daughter’s name out there.
She will be at a meeting next Wednesday to help the Status of Women’s Council put together the December 6 event. In the meantime, Brenton-Lake says losing a daughter is something she’ll never get over.
She says she has good days and bad days, and has days when she shakes her head and wonders if it’s a nightmare she’s having, but it’s not.
Earlier Story
The St. John’s Status of Women’s Council says the annual In Her Name Vigil to remember women in Newfoundland and Labrador who are missing or murdered will be going ahead December 6.
Executive Director Laura Winters was responding to questions raised by the families of murdered women who were unaware of recent changes made to the annual vigil, normally held each October.
Over 120 names have been read aloud each year, with opportunities for families of victims to speak about the impact their loss has had.
Winters says plans for this year’s event changed when the St. John’s Status of Women’s Council was approached by the First Light Friendship Centre – this being the year that the report on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and girls was released.
In response to that says Winters, they were asked to have October 4 shifted back to the traditional Sisters in Spirit event, to remember and honour Indigenous missing and murdered women. Winters says in this province however, it’s been an all nations event.
The shift didn’t sit well with some families who say they were not informed of the change, and feel it important to speak about how their loved one was killed and hold decision makers and the justice system accountable.
One family told VOCM News they were asked not to speak about the murder of their loved one. Winters says they’ve heard the response and while the Sisters in Spirit event is still going ahead this evening, they’re moving In Her Name to December 6 – the National Day for Remembrance and Action Against Women.
They’re also opening up the centre to get feedback from families. Next Wednesday at noon the St. John’s Status of Women’s Council is opening a space to hear from families about Sisters in Spirit and talk about what they want included in the December event.
