Mikw Chiyâm is an interdisciplinary enrichment program that aims to increase student retention by reinforcing personal identity through artistic expression. Our aspiration for the program is to inspire youth by creating contexts for students to collaborate with professional Canadian Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists. Artists are integrated into school and community based programming through intensive multi-week creative residencies throughout the academic year. This program was initiated by Quebec Cree School Board, and with the help of the Cree Justice department is taking place in three high schools in Northern Quebec for the 2016/17 school year: Voyageur Memorial School in Mistissini, Wiinibekuu School in Waskaganish, and James Bay Eeyou School in Chisasibi. This program promotes art literacy, art appreciation, and collaboration by bringing together students, artists, teachers and community members in positive learning spaces where creative initiatives can flourish. By inviting professional artists to work collaboratively with teachers to design and implement interactive programming, we hope to encourage students and teachers to learn from and alongside artists. Throughout the creative residency, the artists-in-residence will also produce creative work(s) that align with the projects the students are being asked to create. Thus, inviting youth to learn through observation and interaction with the artists’ creative processes. Beyond school hours, the artists are mandated to engage community members outside of the program through after-school or weekend community events or workshops. The program culminates with a showcase at the end of each residency, where students, teachers and artists-in-residence will have the opportunity to share their work with their immediate community. In addition, students will be invited to apply to the Arts Festival. Contact the Mikw Chiyâm Administrative Team : info@mikwchiyam.com