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As wildfires continue to burn near remote northern communities in Manitoba, a First Nations leader is asking for prayers.
Craig Munroe, vice chief of Garden Hill First Nation, posted an urgent request on social media late Monday evening, calling on people across Canada and the United States to join him in praying for protection over his community.
"We are asking God for protection — that the forest fires will not reach our homes," Munroe wrote. "May the winds turn, the rain fall, and our essential local workers be kept safe. Lord, place Your hand over Garden Hill and shield us from harm."
He also quoted a passage from the book of Isaiah: “When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you.”
Garden Hill is a remote Anisininew Nation located about 600 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg, accessible only by air in the summer months. Wildfires burning nearby have raised concern, though as of Monday evening, no evacuation order had been issued publicly.
In a separate post from July 10, Munroe encouraged his community to remain unified and resilient.
"Our strength is in our unity. Our calm is in our faith. Even in the face of fire, we will not break — we will rise together," he wrote, citing Joshua 1:9: "Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid … for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
More than 6,000 people are currently out of their homes in Manitoba, and the communities of Lynn Lake and Snow Lake ordered residents to flee for the second time in just weeks.