Walking forward together: BMO releases wicihitowin, the 2026 Indigenous Partnerships and Progress Report

Executive Summary

• BMO Financial Group released its 2026 Indigenous Partnerships and Progress Report ("wîcihitowin"), detailing its ongoing reconciliation initiatives, community partnerships, and measurable progress across Canada.
• The report centers on the theme of water as a living connector and outlines sustained efforts across three key pillars: Education, Employment, and Economic Empowerment.
• BMO highlighted significant operational and financial metrics, including $18 billion in Indigenous banking services, partnerships with over 300 Indigenous communities, and extensive internal and external training programs.

Key Details

• Report Title & Theme: 2026 Indigenous Partnerships and Progress Report ("wîcihitowin", a nehiyawewin/Cree term meaning "helping and supporting each other"); centered on water as a living connector and reconciliation as a continuous, relationship-driven journey.
• Financial & Service Metrics: $18 billion in Indigenous banking services supporting economic participation and growth.
• Community Partnerships: Active partnerships with more than 300 Indigenous communities across Canada.
• Training & Engagement: Internal training delivered to 1,376 employees; external sessions supporting 692 participants.
• Strategic Pillars: Focus areas include Education, Employment, and Economic Empowerment.
• Business Integration: Indigenous Banking team expanding access to capital and advisory services for projects in infrastructure, housing, clean energy, and community development to enable Indigenous ownership and economic participation.
• Governance & Accountability: Progress coordinated through BMO’s Reconciliation Action Plan, the Office of Reconciliation, and guidance from the Indigenous Advisory Council to embed reconciliation across enterprise decision-making.
• Report Access: Full report available at bmo-2026-indigenous-partnerships-and-progress-report-en.pdf

Notable Quotes

• "Reconciliation is grounded in relationships, learning and action... guided by the voices and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples and by our shared responsibility to move forward with care, accountability and respect." – Sharon Haward-Laird, Group Head, Canadian Commercial Banking & North American Integrated Solutions, Co‑Head, Canadian Personal & Commercial Banking, BMO
• "Accountability means continuing to learn, listen and adapt. Reconciliation is ongoing work and it requires intention and a commitment to act in ways that are responsive and grounded in relationships." – Dan Adams, Head, Office of Reconciliation, BMO
• "Our work is grounded in allyship - we show up with humility, build trust over time, and support the priorities of Indigenous communities. Together, we're helping create opportunities that support long-term prosperity and shared success." – Mike Bonner, Head, Canadian Personal & Business Banking Distribution, BMO and Co‑Chair, Indigenous Advisory Council, BMO