Historic Portage and Main BMO building to become future home of Mtis Nation Heritage Centre

The Manitoba Mtis Federation has struck a deal to buy the historic Bank of Montreal building in downtown Winnipeg to ring in the province's 150th birthday.

In a joint news release issued late Monday, the Manitoba Mtis Federation and BMO Financial Group announced the sale of the bank building at Portage and Main.

MMFpresident David Chartrandsaid the plan isto make it the new home of the Mtis Nation Heritage Centre.

"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," he said in the release.

Part of the city's original banker's row, the Bank of Montreal occupied355 Main St. for more than a century, until announcing plans last fall to move into the office tower at 201 Portage Ave.

"The Mtis 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 for the bank.

The Red River Settlement, known as Winnipeg, is the birthplace of the Mtis Nation and heart of their homeland. The prominent location has been an"essential crossroad of trade and commerce" and holds "symbolic" significance, Chartrandsaid in the release.

"Today's joint announcement welcomes us back."