News Releases

TORONTO, JUNE 21, 2010 - BMO Bank of Montreal today is joining Canadians to celebrate the 14^th annual National Aboriginal Day.

"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. "At BMO, we recognize the importance each of these groups places on this date as a time to celebrate their 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.

"BMO is committed to developing products and services to meet the needs of Canada's Aboriginal peoples," added Fay. "In 2009, six new communities began offering BMO's On-Reserve Housing Loan Program, which provides access to financing to build, buy or renovate personal homes for individuals and families on-reserve. We are proud that we now offer the program to 44 communities across Canada."

In addition to celebrations for Aboriginal Day, BMO's Aboriginal branches extend into their communities through a variety of charitable initiatives. BMO supports the Foundation for Advancement of Aboriginal Youth (FAAY), donating $167,000 in 2009 through scholarships and bursaries. In addition, BMO supports educational growth for Aboriginal youth through various university endowments and grants.