BMO honors Native American Heritage Month: Boldly Growing the Good in Native communities

November marks Native American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions and histories of Native peoples across the United States. We know that the land we work on has been the ancestral land of many different indigenous peoples and we are honored to live and work on them. Our Purpose is to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, and this commitment extends to supporting the prosperity and well-being of Native American communities.

This year, we are proud to partner with a variety of organizations that are making a real difference in the lives of Native Americans. Our support spans a range of crucial areas, including health and wellness, sustainability, affordable housing, workforce development and financial capabilities. 

Investing in a brighter future 

• Health and wellness: We are dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote the physical and mental well-being of Native individuals and families. Through partnerships with organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, whose Native Clubs will be the first cohort to complete a specialized, trauma-informed training program tailored to address the unique needs of Native communities, and the Lauren F. Bruner USS Arizona Memorial Foundation, we are helping to provide essential services and create a culture of wellness in Native communities. In Canada, our support of St Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton enables them to provide thousands of their leaders, staff and volunteers with Indigenous cultural training to strengthen their knowledge and awareness, to empower more effective care.  

• Sustainability and climate change: We recognize the importance of environmental stewardship and are committed to supporting Native-led initiatives that promote sustainability and address the impacts of climate change. Our partnerships with organizations like GRID Alternatives and Oweesta are helping to bring clean energy and green job training to tribal communities. 

• Affordable housing: Access to safe and affordable housing is crucial for the well-being of any community. We are proud to support organizations like Ecotrust and the California Coalition for Rural Housing, which are working to increase housing opportunities and economic development within Native communities. 

• Workforce development: We are committed to investing in the future of Native youth. Through our partnership with the Native Star Foundation, we are helping to empower Native American youth to achieve their educational and career goals, providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. 

• Financial capabilities: We believe that everyone deserves access to the knowledge, resources and networks they need to achieve financial well-being. Through our support of organizations like Ability 360, Inc., we are helping to provide financial education and empowerment to Native Americans with disabilities and their families. 

Growing the Good, together 

BMO’s commitment to Native American communities goes beyond financial support. We believe in building strong, long-lasting relationships with our partners and working together to create a more inclusive and equitable society. By investing in these organizations and the vital work they do, we are helping to build a brighter future for Native Americans – and for all. 

Learn more 

To learn more about BMO’s commitment to supporting Native American communities and the organizations we partner with, please visit our Impact page on BMO.com.