On Jan. 27, 2026, a fire destroyed Berens River School — the only school in Berens River First Nation, Manitoba — displacing approximately 380 students. Frontier School Division’s Area 5 office in Norway House and regional leaders are coordinating efforts to provide emergency classroom space and mental-health supports for affected families as the community copes with the loss.
The blaze broke out in the early hours of Tuesday morning, about 3 a.m., and completely destroyed the 58-year-old building (constructed in 1968). About 380 children from nursery to Grade 9 and the community’s adult education program are now out of class. Local officials advised residents to stay indoors and closed public offices because of heavy smoke and air-quality concerns.
Frontier School Division’s Norway House (Area 5) office is leading the search for temporary solutions. Officials say they are exploring use of available facilities in Norway House — including the Helen Betty Osborne Ininiw Education Resource Centre — and the potential deployment of modular or portable classrooms to Berens River so students can continue their studies.
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs issued a statement on Jan. 27 expressing solidarity with Berens River First Nation. Grand Chief Kyra Wilson said: “A school is more than walls and classrooms. It is where our children feel safe, where culture and language are carried forward, and where futures begin. What Berens River has lost is deeply felt across our Nations.” Chief Hartley Everett and council are leading the community response.
RCMP and fire officials are investigating the cause of the blaze. Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) — the federal department that funds infrastructure and emergency education supports for First Nations — is expected to be involved in recovery and rebuilding, although ISC had not posted a public funding announcement as of Jan. 28. Mental-health workers from the region are being organized to support students and staff as the community recovers.
