New $2.5 million gift from BMO for Indigenous Health at uOttawa

BMO and the University of Ottawa have elevated their enduring partnership through a new $2.5 million gift to the reIMAGINE campaign that will help transform the future of learning and research in Indigenous health and health sciences. This $2.5 million gift is in addition to BMO’s past investments, totalling $4.6 million.  

This latest gift will contribute to the construction of new facilities ($1 million) and the launch of a Research Chair in Indigenous Health ($1.5 million). 

“uOttawa’s partnership with BMO is enabling the research and learning that happens here on campus to change lives and build healthier communities across Canada. Our new Research Chair in Indigenous Health demonstrates how uOttawa is taking action to pursue a path to indigenization in its courses, curricula, research and in its relationship with communities.” 

– Jacline Nyman, Vice-President, External Relations at the University of Ottawa

BMO’s gift will also help to build a new Health Sciences building, located at 200 Lees Avenue, that will contribute to innovation and collaboration throughout the Faculty of Health Sciences’ five academic units of Nursing, Nutrition Sciences, Rehabilitation Sciences, Human Kinetics and the Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences.  

“We’re honoured to be building on our partnership with the University of Ottawa. As a purpose-driven organization, BMO is committed to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life – and I can’t think of a better way to grow the good than to support important initiatives like these. Education is a key pillar through which BMO engages with Indigenous communities. We are excited to be part of transforming the future of learning and research in Indigenous health and health sciences, especially as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of BMO’s Indigenous Banking Unit.”

– Vittorio Pellegrino, Regional President, BMO Financial Group

The new building’s atrium, which will serve as a gathering place for students, professors, and staff, will be named the “Coeur Communautaire BMO | The BMO Social Heart.”  

“In the Faculty of Health Sciences, our professors and researchers collaborate, not only with experts and students in the school, but also with communities. Together, they take on projects that aim to improve lives, well-being, and health for all people, whoever and wherever they are in Canada or around the world.” 

– Lucie Thibault, Dean Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Ottawa

University of Ottawa Chancellor Claudette Commanda, the institution’s first Indigenous chancellor, is also a member of BMO’s Indigenous Advisory Council.