BMO Celebrates National Aboriginal Day with Cross Country Branch Events

TORONTO, June 21, 2017 /CNW/ - Throughout the month of June, BMO will host several Aboriginal-focused events for customers and employees, including at 14 On Reserve in-branch events today to celebrate National Aboriginal Day. The events will feature traditional refreshments and performances, décor, and special guests.

Since creating the Aboriginal Banking Unit more than 25 years ago, BMO has helped to bring awareness to the valuable contributions of Aboriginal people in Canada and is committed to supporting the economic self-sufficiency of their communities.

"We are proud to continue to serve our Aboriginal customers, business owners and communities with products and services that reflect their needs and locations year-round," said Stephen Fay, Managing Director & Head of BMO Aboriginal Banking. "As with all areas of the bank, our goal remains to help deliver the best possible banking experience."

Mr. Fay added that the bank's Aboriginal Enterprise Resource Group is always looking for new ways to deepen BMO's involvement in the community. This summer, the bank will bring the BMO Effect in a unique way to First Nation communities in Haidi Gwaii, BC, and White Cap Dakota, Saskatchewan with a basketball court refurbishment and a youth basketball clinic, in partnership with NBA Canada.

BMO has received Gold Ranking for Progressive Aboriginal Relations from the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business for five consecutive years. The bank offers the following tailored services for Aboriginal customers:

• On-reserve housing programs to meet the unique needs of the communities;
• Building beneficial, sustainable relationships between BMO and community representatives;
• Seminars for elders and youth to aid in meeting financial goals; and
• Recognition of the unique culture of our Aboriginal Communities.

To learn more about BMO's Aboriginal Banking Unit and services, visit: https://www.bmo.com/aboriginal/en/index.html.

About BMO and the Aboriginal Community
BMO Financial Group's relationship with Aboriginal communities has existed since the bank was established in 1817 as Bank of Montreal. In 2017, BMO's dedicated Aboriginal Banking unit celebrates twenty five years of working with Aboriginal peoples in their communities, which now includes 14 on-reserve branches and more than $3.6 billion in business relationships with Aboriginal customers. With a dedicated and experienced team, BMO is able to help Aboriginal customers with banking solutions and services to meet their personal banking needs, provide financial advice to on-reserve businesses, partner with communities on their economic development initiatives and provide customized trust and investment management solutions. BMO has been designated five times at a Gold level standing in Progressive Aboriginal Relations as a best-practices organization in the field of Aboriginal relations.

Internet: www.bmo.com Twitter: @BMOmedia

SOURCE BMO Financial Group

Media Contacts: Michelle Agnelo, Toronto, [email protected], [phone]; Valerie Doucet, Montreal, [email protected], [phone]