Walpole Island First Nation is in mourning after three people died in separate accidents on the island this week.
A sacred fire has been lit out of respect for the "individual's spirit" and their families. The fire will stay lit until the funerals this weekend.
One person died after being struck by a vehicle on Walpole Island on Monday night. Two cyclists were killed when a vehicle struck them early Wednesday morning at Walpole Island First Nation.
A community notice by the Bkejwanong Family Well Being Program said the sacred fire is a portal that takes thoughts and prayers about the incidents to the creator. It's also a way to offer prayers to support the individuals changing worlds and to offer support to the grieving families and the affected community.
"This sacred fire in no way imparts that the individual or the family actively participates in ceremonial practices other than believing in a higher power that is always present,” the notice read.
A few events, such as the Rez Gala and Sunday's Pride Bus to Toronto, have been cancelled out of respect for the grieving families and the community.
The Walpole Island First Nation Council has conveyed its prayers and condolences to loved ones and the community.
Some services on the island are also reduced because of the tragedies.