The Private Home Placement (PHP) Program is funded by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). This program supports Berens River First Nation high school students who need to attend school off-reserve when specific courses or resources are not available in the community.
Because Berens River currently has no high school, our students must leave their homes and families to continue their education. The PHP Program’s priority is to support all students transitioning into secondary schools in Winnipeg and other approved communities across Manitoba.
Our responsibility is to make this transition as smooth as possible. We work to secure safe private home placements, provide financial assistance, and offer academic supports to promote student success.
Over the years, graduation rates have continued to rise. We know the journey has not been easy our students face social, cultural, emotional, and academic challenges while navigating systems not originally designed for Indigenous learners. Our students have shown courage, strength, and perseverance in earning their diplomas.
The PHP Program is overseen by the Berens River Education Committee, and all applications are reviewed semi annually by the Education Board. We have seen that when students commit to their education and take accountability for their sponsorship, success follows. Berens River PHP remains committed to supporting our students and continually improving our methods to build strong, successful graduates.
A House Parent provides a safe, supportive, and stable home environment for Berens River First Nation high school students who are living away from the community for school. They act as a trusted caregiver while the student is in their home offering guidance, structure, healthy meals, and a quiet place to study. House Parents help students adjust to city life, encourage regular attendance and good habits. House Parents work closely with the PHP Counsellor and PHP Liaison to ensure each student is cared for and supported throughout the school year.
If you feel that becoming a House Parent may be a good fit for you, we encourage you to contact us.
Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Closed on holidays and weekends.
Unit 1 – 225 McPhillips Street,
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3E 2K3
Phone: (204) 982-0691
Fax: (204) 774-6591
General Email: studentservices@brfneducation.com
Contact Misty Patrick, Private Home Placement Counsellor.
Phone : (204) 982-0694
Our PHP Counsellors provide dedicated support to Berens River First Nation students pursuing high school education off-reserve. Their role includes:
Student Support: Counselling and guiding students throughout their high school journey
Financial Assistance: Issuing monthly allowances and managing required student expenses
Education Planning: Developing personalized short- and long-term education plans
Transition Monitoring: Supporting students as they move from middle school to high school
Academic Tracking: Monitoring credit accumulation and advising students on their progress
Goal Tracking: Recording and celebrating student goals, milestones, and achievements
Reporting: Preparing and presenting quarterly reports to the Education Board
Student Engagement: Planning Student Gatherings, workshops, and skill-building events
File Management: Maintaining confidential and organized student files
Student Advocacy: Supporting students in academic, personal, or social challenges
Crisis Response: Providing timely support and intervention when crises arise
Team Collaboration: Working with the transition team to ensure smooth student placement and progression
Board Consultation: Quarterly meetings with the Education Board