Yesterday, Manitoba celebrated its 150th anniversary and marked the Manitoba Métis becoming Canada’s negotiating partner in Confederation and Founder of Manitoba. Led by Louis Riel, the Métis became the first and only Indigenous people in the country to create a province.
As part of the celebration, BMO Financial Group (BMO) and the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) announced they had an agreement for the sale of BMO’s historic Bank of Montreal building in Winnipeg at Portage and Main.
In the spirit of reconciliation and mutual respect, the plan is to make it the new home of the Métis Nation Heritage Centre.
“We are celebrating this anniversary with the announcement that BMO and MMF, as partners in reconciliation, are moving forward together,” said David Chartrand, president, Manitoba Métis Federation. “Reconciliation is about making real change through practical accomplishments. Today’s milestone of reconciliation shows the leading role that can be played by the private financial sector.”
“The Métis have a rich history in Winnipeg, and we couldn’t have found a better partner to pass on the legacy of this building,” said John MacAulay, regional president, Prairies Central, BMO Bank of Montreal. “We’re driven by our purpose to boldly grow the good in business and life, which includes helping create a more inclusive society. Along with our fellow Winnipeggers, we look forward to celebrating both their history and future in the city.”
BMO’s Winnipeg Main building at Portage and Main has been a pillar of the Winnipeg community since 1913.
Red River Settlement, now Winnipeg, Manitoba, is the birthplace of the Métis Nation and heart of their homeland. Portage and Main, one of Canada’s most famous intersections, is located at the centre of the settlement and at the joining of two major historic Red River Cart trails.
“For two centuries Portage and Main has been an essential crossroad of trade and commerce and holds symbolic importance to the Métis and all Canadians,” said MMF President Chartrand. “Today’s joint announcement welcomes us back.”
BMO announced last summer it intended to move out of the iconic building to an office tower across the street.
