Image: University of the Fraser Valley / Dr. Keith Carlson of the University of the Fraser Valley. Canada's oldest bank and 8th largest in North America with over 13 million customers worldwide has signed a 5-year deal with the University of the Fraser Valley to fund the BMO Collaboratorium. The partnership between BMO and the University of the Fraser Valley's Peace and Reconciliation Centre (PARC) is a program that provides UFV students with research training and practical experience in a way that bolsters the communities around them. The Collaboratorium was created by PARC Director Dr. Keith Carlson to provide community organizations access to sophisticated research at a fraction of the cost of a corporate consultant. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

University of the Fraser Valley

BMO signs 5-year deal with UFV to fund research in Chilliwack, Abbotsford and beyond

Jun 25, 2024 | 12:29 PM

CHILLIWACK — Canada’s oldest bank and 8th largest in North America with 13 million customers worldwide has signed a 5-year deal with the University of the Fraser Valley to fund the BMO Collaboratorium.

According to a news release Tuesday (June 25) from the university, BMO announced a contribution of $440,000 over a five-year span to support the BMO Collaboratorium during a celebration at the Chilliwack campus Tuesday.

More specifically, the partnership between BMO and the University of the Fraser Valley’s Peace and Reconciliation Centre (PARC) is a program that provides UFV students with research training and practical experience in a way that bolsters the communities around them.

The event featured a PARC student showcase, Indigenous drumming and dancing, and a panel discussion with students and community partners.

Launched as a pilot project in 2021, the BMO Collaboratorium was the brainchild of PARC Director Dr. Keith Carlson, with the goal of affording community organizations with access to sophisticated research at a fraction of the cost of a corporate consultant. It will now become a fully funded research organization, guided by newly appointed research coordinator Leanne Jarrett. The university says half of the partnerships that have been co-created as a result of the BMO Collaboratorium are with Indigenous communities.

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“We are very proud of the work that’s been done and the partnerships that have been fostered through the BMO Collaboratorium, and we’re excited to celebrate this generous contribution by BMO,” says UFV President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Joanne MacLean. “This support allows us to build on the solid foundation that’s been set in place, providing more opportunities for UFV students and impactful research with our many community partners.”

The idea for the BMO Collaboratorium sprung out of multiple discussions Dr. Carlson had with not-for-profits, First Nations groups, and municipalities. He found that they had a list of research projects they wanted done, but not the budget.

Through the BMO Collaboratorium, at a cost of $12,000, community partners receive 14 weeks of access to a paid student intern who has completed intensive methodology training and has the skills to design and execute a research plan with measurable timelines and outcomes.

“The BMO Collaboratorium is unique with the combination of value and quality research it provides for Indigenous communities and other partners,” Dr. Carlson says, adding that half of the community partnerships have been established with Indigenous communities like Matsqui First Nation, Sumas First Nation, and Seabird Island First Nation.

The work of Dr. Carlson and the BMO Collaboratorium was recognized in 2023 with Heritage Abbotsford’s Outstanding BC Heritage Award in Indigenous and Diverse Cultures.

In addition to hiring a research coordinator, BMO funding will help to seed partnerships for community groups that may not have the budget for the full student internship. The funding will ensure that students work with equipment (laptop computers, scanners, etc.) that is up-to-date, and will help them with travel expenses. This partnership will also be celebrated as part of UFV’s 50^th anniversary celebrations – honouring the past, celebrating the present, and co-creating the future 50 Years Forward.

“With a coordinator in place, we’ll have the ability to work year-round with our community partners to apply for grant funding and assist with preliminary consultation,” Dr. Carlson says. “We’ll be able to enhance connection and deepen engagement through these partnerships.”

“We’re honoured to support the work of the BMO Collaboratorium, which is meeting a great need within Indigenous communities while creating opportunities for students,” said Michael Bonner, head of Canadian Personal & Business Banking Distribution and BMO Enterprise Indigenous Strategy, and co-chair of the BMO Indigenous Advisory Council. “We’ve enjoyed a strong relationship with UFV since 1999, enhancing the student experience and ensuring their long-term success, as part of BMO’s Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life.”

To date, BMO has contributed $1.03 million to UFV, including sponsorships, and student awards.

If you, or someone you know, is interested in participating in the 2025 BMO Collaboratorium as a community partner, or would like to learn more, email PARCcollab@ufv.ca.