- Through consultation with BMO's Indigenous Advisory Council,
this commitment supports seven organizations that promote healing
and advance cultural reclamation
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to receive
$250,000 for grants to Indigenous
communities in support of memorial and healing activities
TORONTO, Sept. 29, 2021 /CNW/ - To commemorate the first
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, BMO today announced $600,000 in donations to Indigenous organizations
across Canada. Selected in
consultation with BMO's Indigenous Advisory Council, several of the
Indigenous-led organizations focus on promoting emotional and
spiritual healing for Survivors, their families and communities;
while others focus on advancing cultural reclamation, such as
language and traditional, land-based learning. All play an
important role in the journey toward Truth and Reconciliation.
"As we prepare to mark the National Day for Truth and
Reconciliation, we reflect on the challenge of overcoming the
damage done to generations of Indigenous children, families,
communities and cultures by the Indian Residential School System in
Canada," said Mike Bonner, Head, Canadian Business Banking,
BMO Bank of Montreal and Co-Chair,
BMO Indigenous Advisory Council. "These donations recognize
the need for a holistic approach to empowerment and reflect the
ongoing, collaborative partnership that underlies BMO's
relationship with Indigenous communities. They also embody our
Purpose: to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life by
building vibrant communities for a brighter and a more inclusive
future – and advancing the call of Truth and Reconciliation across
Canada."
"We thank BMO for their support of the Na-mi-quai-ni-mak Fund,"
said Stephanie Scott, Executive
Director for the NCTR. "This donation is an investment in the
healing of Survivors and their communities. For the country to move
forward together, our communities need to heal. The
Na-mi-quai-ni-mak program plays an important role in this
healing."
Remembering the past, healing today for tomorrow, renewing
Indigenous culture and self-determination – the following
organizations have received donations:
- The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) will
receive a $250,000 one-time donation
for its Na-mi-quai-ni-mak ("I remember them") Centre Community
Support Fund, which provides grants to Indigenous communities for
memorial and healing activities such as community-led ceremonies
and feasts, commemorative markers, such as gardens and plaques, and
maintenance of burial sites. The fund is the only one of its kind
in Canada that is national,
Indigenous-led and accessible to all Indigenous communities. NCTR
helps promote public education and understanding of the Schools as
well as the wider assault on the cultures and identities of
Indigenous Peoples and is home to the statements, sacred objects
and other materials Survivors of Residential Schools gave to
the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and beyond.
- The Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First
Nation, for the construction of a 128-bed long-term-care
home.
- The Gitpo Spirit Lodge, a Men's Wellness facility located in
Natoaganeg (Eel Ground First Nation), NB. The centre provides
programs that are culturally relevant to the physical, emotional
and spiritual well being of the Indigenous men in our
communities.
- Kaska Dena Youth Camp, which is run by the Dechinta Centre for
Research and Learning, and provides an opportunity for youth in the
northern Dena community of Tu Łidlini, or Ross River, in the Yukon, to reconnect with their culture and
Elders.
- Indspire, an Indigenous-led charity that invests in access to
education through scholarships and programs that support Indigenous
students nationwide.
- The Indigenous Learning Centre, established by the AFOA Canada
(formerly known as the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of
Canada), which offers scholarships
to First Nation, Inuit and Métis persons wishing to further their
education in finance, management and governance.
- The Orange Shirt Society, which is dedicated to honouring the
Survivors of Residential Schools and raising awareness through
education. This donation is complemented by proceeds from orange
t-shirts worn by BMO employees that will also be directed to the
Orange Shirt Society.
On September 30, along with the
rest of Canada, BMO's employees in
Canada will observe the National
Day for Truth and Reconciliation as an occasion to reflect on our
shared history and its impacts and reaffirm our commitment to Truth
and Reconciliation. Click here to view
Wîcihitowin ᐑᒋᐦᐃᑐᐏᐣ, BMO's first annual Indigenous
Partnerships and Progress Report.
About BMO Financial Group
Serving customers for 200
years and counting, BMO is a highly diversified financial services
provider - the 8th largest bank, by assets, in North America. With total assets of
$971 billion as of July 31, 2021, and a team of diverse and highly
engaged employees, BMO provides a broad range of personal and
commercial banking, wealth management and investment banking
products and services to more than 12 million customers and
conducts business through three operating groups: Personal and
Commercial Banking, BMO Wealth Management and BMO Capital
Markets.
SOURCE BMO Financial Group