BMO Releases ᐑᒋᐦᐃᑐᐏᐣ wîcihitowin - 5th Annual Indigenous Partnerships and Progress Report and Launches New Office of Reconciliation

• BMO appoints new Head of Indigenous Banking Unit

TORONTO, June 19, 2025 /CNW/ - BMO today released ᐑᒋᐦᐃᑐᐏᐣ wîcihitowin (pronounced: wee-chih-hito-win), its 5th annual Indigenous Partnerships and Progress Report and announced the creation of a new Office of Reconciliation, and the appointment of a new Head of its Indigenous Banking Unit. BMO's work with Indigenous peoples and communities in Canada continues to be anchored in its Enterprise Indigenous Strategy, which consists of three foundational pillars: Education, Employment, and Economic Empowerment.

"BMO chose to publish wîcihitowin in June this year to honour Indigenous History Month in Canada – a time to celebrate the heritage, cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nation, Inuit and Métis Peoples across Canada," said Sharon Haward-Laird, BMO General Counsel and Executive Sponsor, BMO Indigenous Advisory Council. "Our engagement goes far beyond this month. Listening, learning and acting in partnership with Indigenous communities is a year-round priority, embedded in our strategy and aligned with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action 92."

BMO's Purpose – to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life – drives the bank to seek ways to better serve its customers and partners among the First Nation, Inuit and Métis Peoples of Canada. This year's Indigenous Partnerships and Progress Report brings that goal to life with inspiring stories of innovation and achievement from across the country. The launch of BMO's Office of Reconciliation, together with the Indigenous Banking Unit, strengthens the bank's approach going forward.

Office of Reconciliation

"For more than thirty years, BMO has worked closely with Indigenous communities and customers across Canada, helping to advance economic independence and providing support as they shape their futures," said Michael Bonner, Head, BMO Canadian Personal & Business Banking Distribution, Co-Chair of the Indigenous Advisory Council, Head of Enterprise Indigenous Strategy, and Executive Sponsor of BMO Employee Resource Group Sharing Circle. "To accelerate our progress and deepen our impact, BMO has established a dedicated Office of Reconciliation to provide focused, enterprise-wide leadership and coordination to embed Reconciliation more deeply into the fabric of our organization."

Dan Adams, Vice President, BMO Indigenous Banking Unit, has been named Head of the Office of Reconciliation and will also support the Indigenous Advisory Council. Adams will work across the bank to advance opportunities for Indigenous empowerment, employment and education – building an effective and sustainable strategy that meets the needs and expectations of our Indigenous customers and partners.

BMO Indigenous Banking Unit

A nehiyawewin/Cree term meaning "helping and supporting each other", ᐑᒋᐦᐃᑐᐏᐣ wîcihitowin highlights BMO's partnerships with and commitment to Indigenous communities through a range of thought-provoking stories from Indigenous customers, employees and community leaders. The stories told in ᐑᒋᐦᐃᑐᐏᐣ wîcihitowin reflect in large part the important work of BMO's Indigenous Banking Unit.

"As part of today's announcement, we are excited to share that Danny Menard has been appointed as the new Head of the Indigenous Banking Unit," said Lynda Taylor, Head, Strategic Initiatives, BMO Commercial Bank. "Danny will lead efforts to serve First Nation, Inuit, and Métis communities and organizations, delivering tailored financial solutions and deepening relationships built over the IBU's 30-plus-year legacy."

Zero Barriers through Education, Employment and Economic Empowerment: Highlights from the Report

• BMO provides more than $16 billion in banking services to more than 300 Indigenous communities nationwide. BMO has more than $264 million in authorized loans for housing purposes in Indigenous communities, including its On-Reserve Home Loan Program
  
  
• For advancing Indigenous interests and economic development, BMO has received Gold certification in the Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) program seven consecutive times, spanning more than 20 continuous years. The PAIR program is administered by the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business
  
  
• The BMO SmartProgress™ on-demand financial education platform for Indigenous Peoples continues to help Indigenous customers make real financial progress by learning more about topics like credit scores, investing and retirement planning
  
  
• Out of a total of $28 million in donations and pledges to Indigenous causes across Canada, $15 million has gone toward education initiatives, including $6.7 million to awards and scholarships
  
  
• BMO supports Indigenous employees by providing tailored support through the bank's Miikana Career Pathways program. Almost 60 per cent of Indigenous employees have joined Miikana to date
  
  
• The BMO for Indigenous Entrepreneurs lending program provides greater access to capital for Indigenous businesses. To accelerate business growth entrepreneurs may receive loans of up to $150,000 for capital investments such as equipment and property improvements and working capital, including inventory, payroll and lease payments
  
  
• In keeping with Indigenous procurement goals, BMO has spent $125 million, far exceeding its goal to spend $10 million annually by 2023. In addition, BMO Elevate, the bank's diverse business development program, supports Indigenous-owned businesses with networking, education, mentoring and development opportunities
  
  
• With First Nations University of Canada and Reconciliation Education, BMO provides an online eLearning course, ᓂᓯᑐᐦᑕᒧᐃᐧᐣ Nisitohtamowin, that provides an overview of 500 years of colonial history in Canada from the perspectives of Indigenous Peoples

Read the full report to learn more.

Learn more about BMO's commitments to Indigenous customers, colleagues and communities.

About BMO Financial Group 

BMO Financial Group is the seventh largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.4 trillion as of April 30, 2025. Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a diverse team of highly engaged employees providing a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets and investment banking products and services to 13 million customers across Canada, the United States, and in select markets globally. Driven by a single purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, BMO is committed to driving positive change in the world, and making progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future, and inclusive society. 

SOURCE BMO Financial Group

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