BMO Releases wîcihitowin - 3rd Annual Indigenous Partnerships and Progress Report and Announces New Indigenous Advisory Council Members

TORONTO, Sept. 14, 2023

As well, BMO announced six new members of its Indigenous Advisory Council (IAC). The IAC's vision has been intrinsic to the development of BMO's Indigenous Strategy and remains essential to driving sustainable progress in economic empowerment for Indigenous communities and customers, Indigenous employment, and education that includes recognition of Indigenous cultures and shared history.

Joining the BMO IAC are:

• Ovide Mercredi, former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations
• Chief Willie Sellars, children's author and Chief of Williams Lake First Nations
• Carol Anne Hilton, author and Founder & CEO of the Indigenomics Institute
• Tabatha Bull, CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
• Nadir André, partner and national leader of the Aboriginal Law Group at Borden, Ladner Gervais
• Denis Carignan, Co-Founder of PLATO, one of Canada's largest employers of Indigenous IT professionals

"We welcome the newest members of BMO's Indigenous Advisory Council (IAC), whose advice and guidance are fundamental to our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation," said Darryl White, CEO, BMO Financial Group. "At the same time, we're honoured to share the progress and the steps we're taking towards deeper understanding, economic empowerment, and eliminating barriers to inclusion in partnership with Indigenous customers, communities and colleagues."

"I believe that success for my community comes from focusing on the future, and as a member of BMO's Indigenous Advisory Council I apply that focus to advise the bank on policies and practices that support economic development and opportunity for Indigenous peoples," said Chief Roy Whitney Onespot, Chief of the Tsuut'ina Nation, and member of the BMO IAC. "Banks have a large role to play in society. BMO's leadership matters and will have an impact on Indigenous education, careers, and economic advancement."

"For more than thirty years, BMO's Indigenous Banking Unit (IBU) has partnered with Indigenous communities across Canada, advancing economic independence and helping customers and partners shape their futures," said Michael Bonner, Head, BMO Canadian Business Banking, Head, Enterprise Indigenous Strategy. "Through long-time relationships and a wide network of branches and business banking offices, both on and off reserve, we offer financial education programs to Indigenous communities, and we continue to innovate with accessible financial products and services, including housing financing, investment management solutions, and long-term financing for on-reserve infrastructure and economic development."

The report features the stories of BMO clients and employees who are thriving in their fields, including Jenn Harper, founder of Cheekbone Beauty, a cosmetics industry success story, and Benjamin Feagin Jr., who built his company, AgriTech North, to address food insecurity in the north by reducing food costs. Chief Darcy Bear recounts Whitecap Dakota Nation's journey to self-government and shares a powerful story of economic growth and prosperity over the years. As well, BMO Branch Manager Jermaine Kootenay shares his career journey, which began when he was a teenage single father and has led him to a leadership role at BMO affording him the opportunity to affect the working lives of many Indigenous colleagues.