Advancing Reconciliation: Recent milestones on our journey

At BMO, reconciliation is more than a commitment, it’s an ongoing journey rooted in listening, learning and acting in ways to honour Indigenous voices, cultures and rights. BMO is honoured to share that we were recently named to the Indigenomics Institute's 2025 10 to Watch List, an award that recognizes leadership excellence and outcomes that drive economic reconciliation.

This recognition reflects the impact of recent initiatives to advance the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action 92, particularly those focused on economic development and partnerships with Indigenous communities. These initiatives include BMO’s efforts to lead economic reconciliation through the Office of Reconciliation, and by embedding reconciliation directly into financial systems and advancing Indigenous participation in capital markets.  

Here are a few ways BMO has recently turned meaningful progress into measurable action:

Driving impact through investment

In October, BMO Global Asset Management received the Institutional Connect Award for Reconciliation with Indigenous People. This award celebrates organizations that demonstrate leadership in aligning investments with reconciliation goals. For BMO, this means ensuring that capital flows toward initiatives that create tangible benefits for Indigenous communities.

Innovating financial solutions

BMO became the first North American bank to issue a C$200 million Indigenous Bond, supporting Indigenous-owned businesses and governments. This landmark initiative featured Cedar Leaf Capital, Canada’s first majority Indigenous-owned investment firm, as part of the syndicate. Proceeds will fund Indigenous enterprises and communities under BMO’s Sustainable Bond Framework.

Strengthening Indigenous voices

In October, BMO’s Indigenous Advisory Council met in person at Vancouver’s Bill Reid Art Gallery, welcoming five new leaders and naming Nadir Andre as Co-chair. With all 10 members present, it was one of BMO’s most productive meetings yet to advance Indigenous perspectives in our reconciliation efforts.

“This recognition from the Indigenomics Institute reinforces the importance of our shared journey toward reconciliation. At BMO, we’re focused on creating meaningful opportunities, whether through innovative financial instruments like the Indigenous Bond, or through strengthening Indigenous voices within our governance. Our goal is to turn commitments into meaningful impact." 

— Mike Bonner, Head of BMO’s Indigenous Enterprise Strategy

Learn more about BMO’s Indigenous commitments.