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ᐃᔦᔅᑯᐧᐄᐤ ᒉᒌ ᒋᔅᑯᑕᒫᓲᑦ ᒪᐅᒡ ᑳ ᐄᔥᐹᔨᒡ ᒋᔅᑯᑕᒫᒉᐧᐃᓐ

Iyeskuwiiu Springboard to DCS Program

Complete CEGEP courses, learn about your culture, and prepare for post-secondary – all from your home community! 

Application is closed
The application deadline for 2023-2024 has passed.
Applications will reopen February 2024 for the 2024-2025 school year.

Program starts August 2023

Program information
Application steps

For more information, email

The Iyeskuwiiu Springboard to DCS is a new, one-year partnership program offered by John Abbott College and the Cree School Board.

If you are a Secondary V graduate or on track to graduate this year, this is a great opportunity to:

  • Study in your home community, completing courses online and on the land.
  • Deepen your Cree identity through culturally relevant courses created by Cree educators, for Cree students.
  • Gain credits towards your Diploma of College Studies (DCS).
Download our Information Package

About the Program

Program length

Full-time, two-semester program. Begins August 2023 and ends April 2024.

Program requirements

Open to Cree beneficiaries living in Eeyou Istchee with a Secondary V Diploma. Students who have already graduated and those on track to graduate at the end of the year are encouraged to apply.

Program delivery

The program is provided online with set class times. A five-day intensive Physical Education course is also offered on the land each semester. In-person tutoring is available in the communities.

What you'll learn

Students will take up to nine (9) accredited courses in Humanities, Contemporary Issues, Second Language (Cree or French), English, and Physical Education (land-based).

For a full course listing, please download our information package. Credits from courses completed through Iyeskuwiiu are transferable to any English Quebec CEGEP, and will apply towards a Diploma of College Studies (DCS).

Student supports

Students will have access to a loaned laptop, in-person tutoring, and counselling services from Sabtuan Adult Education Services. In addition, students will have access to virtual resources from John Abbott College’s Indigenous Resource Centre.

Financial Assistance

The Cree School Board will provide financial support to qualified students, in accordance with our in-community financial assistance policy.

How to Apply

You can apply to Iyeskuwiiu online through SRAM.

You must complete the written portion document (motivation statement and short essay)
and upload it to SRAM as part of your application.

Application is closed
The application deadline for 2023-2024 has passed.
Applications will reopen February 2024 for the 2024-2025 school year.

Need help with your application?
Contact your school guidance counsellor or email Sarah Dow-Imrie, Project Development Officer, at

Step 1

Complete the written portion
(motivation letter and short essay)

Applicants must complete the written portion document and upload it to their SRAM application.

Download Written Portion Document

The written portion includes:

  • A motivation statement (one paragraph)
  • A short essay (250-500 words – topics provided in the document)
  • Declaration of preferred language class (Cree or French)

If you have any questions or concerns about the written portion, please contact your guidance counsellor or email us at

Step 2

Submit your SRAM application

In SRAM (admission.sram.qc.ca), create an account:

  1. Select Apply for admission
  2. Click on Continuing education applicant
  3. Create your account with a valid email address (which will be part of your file) and a password. SRAM and the college will use this email address to communicate with you.

Then, click “apply for admission” and complete the application form, selecting the following program:

Choice of College: John Abbott College
Program: 081.06 Springboard to a DCS
Particularity: IYESKUWIIU – for Cree students only
Begins on: August 2023

After submitting your application, you will see a prompt to upload your documents. This is where you will upload the written portion of your application.

Full instructions are available on page 4 of our information package here.