News Releases

WHAT:       BMO Financial Group will mark National Aboriginal Day with two days of special events in Toronto celebrating and showcasing the talents and achievements of Canada's indigenous peoples.

WHEN &

WHERE:     Wednesday, June 21, BMO Bank of Montreal‘s Aboriginal Sharing Circle is hosting a two hour celebratory PowWow featuring aboriginal stories, prayers and traditional dancing.  The attendees and presenters at this event will include Pauline Shirt, an elder of the Cree Red Tailed Hawk Clan, Derrick Bressette, an Ojibway Traditional Storyteller, and the Tall Pine Singers and Dancers.  The event will be held in front of the BMO Bank of Montreal offices at 55 Bloor Street West and will run from noon until 2:00 p.m. EDT. (Public and media are invited to attend.)

                  Thursday, June 22, BMO's employee-run Diversity Council will host a luncheon further celebrating aboriginal culture.  The luncheon will be highlighted by a speech presented by The Honourable James K. Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.  It will also feature the presentation of a cheque for scholarships to the Foundation for the Advancement of Aboriginal Youth from BMO Capital Markets Equity Through Education Program. This event will begin at noon and will take place on the Third Floor Patio at First Canadian Place, 100 King Street West [access through the main branch elevators]. (Accredited media only.)

- 30 -