Berens River First Nation School was destroyed by a fire at the end of January, prompting the closure of the First Nation’s public offices. The K–9 school was part of the Frontier School Division and was attended by 380 students. It additionally offered an adult education program. Though emergency crews and first responders worked for six hours to prevent the spread of the fire, CBC says that the school was completely destroyed and that no one was inside the school at the time of the fire. “We will do everything in our power to rebuild. We will engage every available resource to bring a strong and timely solution to this tragedy,” said a statement from Berens River First Nation chief and council. CTV News reports that officials from the First Nation, school division, and emergency services are now looking for short- and long-term solutions for students to be able to continue their education.
