First commissioned in 2015 by the Cree School Board, Mikw Chiyâm is creative learning through artist residencies in alternative spaces, informed by local knowledge and designed to engage and retain students.
Artists in the community
Indigenous communities invite artists from a roster of disciplines to teach transferable skills through the arts. During residencies, artists connect with Northern Cree youth and explore themes such as storytelling, expressing personal and collective voice, and navigating the art industry. Each participating school is paired with four experienced artists who work in collaboration with the Mikw Chiyâm teachers during six-week residencies. With inPath support, teachers and artists develop projects that meet the needs of youth while aligning with the Quebec Education Program, enabling students to receive credit towards graduation. Residencies culminate with students, artists, and teachers gathering to share artworks with the wider community during a festival to celebrate their commitment and accomplishments.
Community engagement
During the residency period, artists offer workshops for non-Mikw Chiyâm students and community members, providing space for broader artistic exploration and strengthening relationships between schools and communities.
Living pedagogy
Our “living” programs are dynamic and responsive to each school’s particular needs, shaped and reshaped according to feedback from students, teachers, artists, the wider community, and administration.
