A number of recent deaths in some Yukon aboriginal communities has one First Nation inviting others to observe a moment of prayer across the territory next week.

Having a territorywide prayer circle on April 30 would give people a chance to process the grief they may have had to deal with recently, said Chief Diane Strand of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations in Haines Junction.

"You know, on one Saturday a couple weeks ago, it was three funerals in three different communities," Strand told CBC News in an interview.

"That's a little bit hard to take, I think, for the First Nations community in the Yukon."

Strand said the deaths in her own community may be partly attributed to residential school compensation money that started flowing into communities across Canada last fall.

"We think that's a great possibility, but it's difficult to say at this time," she said.

"I know within our own community that it could be some of the situation. But it's hard to say when you're not quite [sure] what the situations are within other communities."

Strand didn't say how the compensation money might have contributed to some of the deaths. Some aboriginal leaders in Canada have blamed recent deaths on alcohol bought with the compensation money.

The Champagne and Aishihik First Nations will hold a moment of silence and prayer starting at 9:30 a.m. PT on April 30. Strand said the First Nation has sent invitations to other communities to join them.

Such an invitation would show communities "that we have strength amongst us as First Nations people, and that we are one big happy family, so to speak," she said. "We can do this together."