
First Nations are increasingly influencing global business, particularly in natural resources and foreign investments. However, access to affordable capital remains one of the most significant barriers to Indigenous equity investment in major energy, mining, and infrastructure projects. Over the next decade, Indigenous nations will need over CAD$50 billion to finance equity investments in major projects. With CAD$15 billion in government support available, the remaining CAD$35 billion must come from other sources. To bridge the gap, First Nations must collaborate with lenders, banks, private equity firms, pension funds, and family foundations.
As the Head of Indigenous Banking at the BMO Financial Group, Clio Straram shares a few insights into how organizations like BMO are integrating Indigenous principles in business as a strategic advantage.
Question: From your perspective, how are Indigenous nations able to help organizations like yours strategize to meet the demands of a shifting market?
Indigenous nations are our history and our future. For over 30 years, BMO Indigenous Banking has partnered with Indigenous communities to build housing, develop infrastructure and support entrepreneurs. It’s through these relationships that we’ve learned to listen in order to support our customers and address specific needs.
Question: Given the current landscape in financial services, how are the conversations/engagements evolving with respect to Indigenous partnerships in both the short and long term?
BMO’s Indigenous Banking Unit has always worked directly with Indigenous governments to support their goals. In the 90’s, there was a strong focus on financing housing in communities, then infrastructure, then government-owned businesses, and now equity ownership. We started by getting feedback from customers one-on-one, in-community, which we will always do. Now we also consult the BMO Indigenous Advisory Council, employees and others operating in our space, like the FNMPC.
Question: What are you most looking forward to at the 8th Annual FNMPC Conference?
The FNMPC keeps raising the bar making this one of the best conferences of the year. Can’t wait to see old friends and hear what’s happening out there!
Register now and join BMO at #FNMPC2025.