- Ka Ni Kanichihk, Teach For Canada–Gakinaamaage, and the
Woodland Cultural Centre to receive donations totalling
$800,000
- BMO and First Nations University Indigenous eLearning
course, Nisitohtamowin, available free for the second
straight year
TORONTO, June 15,
2023 /CNW/ - BMO today announced contributions to
Indigenous cultural and educational initiatives at three
organizations.
"Since 1992, BMO has built a strong presence with deep roots in
hundreds of Indigenous communities across Canada, and we
value the tremendous trust placed in us as we make progress
together toward a brighter future," said Mike Bonner, Head,
Canadian Business Banking, and Co-Chair, BMO Indigenous Advisory
Council. "While our commitment to Indigenous customers and
communities is part of how we do business every day, each year we
welcome the opportunity to mark National Indigenous History Month
and National Indigenous Peoples Day in meaningful ways through our
support of key initiatives and by continuing to innovate to serve
Indigenous colleagues, customers and communities."
This year BMO is donating $800,000 to three organizations focused on
education and cultural reclamation through the development of self
determination and leadership, equity in education and the
preservation and promotion of Indigenous culture and history,
including:
- Ka Ni Kanichihk, a Winnipeg,
Manitoba-based organization that focuses on Indigenous- led
education, mentorship, job-skills training, prevention and
intervention programs that support participants to heal, thrive and
become leaders. BMO's gift will support the Home for Reconciliation
capital expansion initiative, ensuring thousands more can access
programs and supports in 2024.
- Teach For Canada–Gakinaamaage, an organization that works with
northern First Nations to recruit, prepare, and support committed
teachers, in order to begin to make education more
equal. Teach For Canada–Gakinaamaage educators work in 26
partner First Nations in Northern
Ontario, Manitoba,
Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Their inspirational approach to
teaching and leadership is increasing student attendance, student
engagement, and student achievement. BMO's gift will help Teach For
Canada–Gakinaamaage expand to 19 additional partner First
Nations.
- Woodland Cultural Centre (WCC), a Brantford, Ontario-based centre that works to
preserve, promote, and strengthen Indigenous languages, culture,
art and history; bringing the story of the Hodinohsho:ni people of
the Eastern Woodlands to life through innovative exhibitions and
programs. BMO's gift will contribute to the building of a new
state-of-the-art Cultural Centre.
"Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to BMO for their invaluable
contribution to building a community that celebrates diversity,
ensures inclusivity and offers equitable opportunities," said
Dodie Jordaan, Executive Director, Ka Ni Kanichihk
Inc. "Their support will create the infrastructure to empower
Indigenous communities in Winnipeg
and the region, fostering a brighter future for all."
"The support from BMO has had a meaningful impact on the growth
of Teach For Canada–Gakinaamaage from a vision into a national
organization. Together, our work has built partnerships with First
Nations to recruit and retain teachers and invest in local
capacity," said Ken Sanderson,
Executive Director, Teach For Canada–Gakinaamaage. "By supporting
Indigenous control of Indigenous education, the work we do
increases access to transformative education for First Nations
youth and their leadership potential, grounded in a stronger sense
of who they are, that will have impacts across Turtle Island and
the world."
"Gratitude is a foundational philosophy
for Hodinohsho:ni , gratitude to the natural world,
gratitude for our teachers and community leaders, gratitude to the
creator," said Heather George,
Executive Director, Woodland Cultural Centre. "The generous support
of organizations such as BMO to Woodland Cultural Centre is another
opportunity to express our deepest gratitude as we could not move
forward on our path of healing, culture building and celebration
without this contribution. Niawen:kowa (big / great thanks) to
everyone at BMO for your ongoing commitment to reconciliation."
"We're honoured to demonstrate our commitment to advancing Truth
and Reconciliation through the key pillars of education, employment
and economic empowerment by supporting vital and culturally
relevant initiatives like these," said Clio Straram, Head, BMO
Indigenous Banking Unit. "As a member of Fond du Lac First Nation
in Saskatchewan, I'm especially
pleased to be supporting organizations that focus on bringing
quality education to Indigenous communities, developing leaders,
encouraging self-determination, and preserving and teaching
Indigenous histories and cultures."
For more than three decades, BMO has been working with
Indigenous communities to support their economic
self-determination. Since 1992, through a network of branches
and business banking offices both on and off reserve, BMO has
offered financial products and services, including housing and
renovation financing, trust services, investment management
solutions, and long-term financing for on-reserve infrastructure
and economic development. Through BMO's Indigenous Employee
Resource Group (The Sharing Circle), Nisitohtamowin –
Understanding Indigenous Perspectives, an e-learning course created
in partnership with First Nations University of Canada, and made available to all for free,
and with the guidance of the BMO Indigenous Advisory Council, BMO
encourages understanding, self-identification, and celebration of
Indigenous Peoples and cultures. The Canadian Council for
Aboriginal Business has recognized BMO with six consecutive Gold
Level certifications for the bank's approach to the Indigenous
market and for understanding the business case for a diverse
workforce and equitable supportive workplace.
For more information about how BMO works with Indigenous
communities in Canada, click here to view BMO's
annual Indigenous Partnerships and Progress Report.
About BMO Financial
Group
BMO Financial Group is the eighth largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of
$1.25 trillion as of April 30, 2023. 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 over 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