A history of supporting Indigenous economic empowerment
Since 1992, BMO has been advancing the economic empowerment of Indigenous businesses and communities in Canada through the creation of the Indigenous Banking Unit. The Indigenous Banking Unit was established in 1992 to support advancing the economic empowerment of Indigenous business and communities across Canada. This June, we are proud to honour the histories, achievements, and resilience of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples, who have cared for this land since time immemorial.
The opening of the Waskaganish branch in 1994 was special for several reasons. Not only was it BMO’s first branch in an Indigenous community in Quebec, but BMO also printed special banking slips for the branch on this occasion. These banking slips were printed in Southern James Bay Cree, the language of the local community, in order to better provide banking services.
Today, we support progress for First Nation People, Inuit, and Métis citizens, and will continue to deliver on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call to Action 92. We engage with Indigenous Peoples across three pillars—Education, Employment and Economic Empowerment—that rest on a platform of zero barriers to inclusion for all. Check out wîcihitowin ᐑᒋᐦᐃᑐᐏᐣ (pronounced ‘wee-chih-hito-win’) to learn how we’re partnering with Indigenous communities in Canada to support economic reconciliation.
