News Releases

TIMMINS, ON, JUNE 21, 2010 - BMO Bank of Montreal today is joining Canadians to celebrate the 14^th annual National Aboriginal Day. Select BMO branches in or near Native communities will mark this important day with events that acknowledge the importance of this day.

BMO's Timmins branch - serving the Wabun Tribal Council, and the Aboriginal communities of Mattagami and Gogama, Brunswick House First Nation, Chapleau Ojibwe, Matachewan, and Flying Post - has organized a number of initiatives commemorating the day. Parents and children are invited to Hollinger Park to take part in a day of activities and learn more about National Aboriginal Day, with branch employees on hand to distribute postcards, puzzles, pails and shovels.

"National Aboriginal Day provides us with the opportunity to unite, learn, and respect all cultures of the world," said Janna Cook, Branch Manager, Timmins, BMO Bank of Montreal. "It's a great way to spark communication and take pride in the diversity of our communities."

"Setting aside a day for Aboriginal peoples is part of the wider recognition of their important place within the fabric of Canada and their ongoing contributions as First Peoples," said Stephen Fay, National Director, Aboriginal Banking, BMO Bank of Montreal. "BMO recognizes the importance of this date as a time to celebrate this country's heritage."

National Aboriginal Day was proclaimed in 1996 so that all Canadians could share and experience the cultures of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis in Canada. It is annually celebrated on June 21, a significant date in the cultural calendar that marks the summer solstice and the longest day of the year. National Aboriginal Day also supports initiatives to commemorate the International Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples.