In light of an increase in suicides within First Nation communities in Ontario, the province’s regional chief has issued a call for sacred fires and prayers.

According to Native tradition, the fires symbolize strength, divine connection and spiritual expression. On Saturday, Fred Bowering was keeping fire at Centennial Gardens in St. Catharines.

Reports say three children and a 21-year-old man have committed suicide in the First Nation since last week.

Bowering said the fire offering is to show support for those who are grieving, who have experienced violence, who experienced the loss of a family member and for those who have been impacted by suicide. He said the fire is for everyone including non-Indigenous communities.

Representatives from a military reserve unit arrived into a northern Ontario First Nation to help with the crisis.

There have been 18 suicides in the First Nation since January.