Celebrate UFCW National Bannock Day on July 31

Toronto – July 13, 2026 – UFCW Canada proudly celebrates the second annual UFCW National Bannock Day, inviting members, families, and communities across Turtle Island to recognize the rich cultural heritage, resilience, and traditions of Indigenous peoples through one of their most cherished foods: bannock.

Bannock has deep roots in Indigenous communities across Turtle Island. While recipes and preparation methods vary between Nations, it remains a powerful symbol of resilience, survival, and community. Shared at family gatherings, powwows, and ceremonies, bannock continues to connect generations through culture, tradition, and storytelling.

National Bannock Day was established by the UFCW Canada Indigenous Committee, a member-led group dedicated to strengthening relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples through education, cultural celebration, and shared understanding.

As we celebrate, it is also important to recognize bannock's connection to Canada's colonial history. Although Treaty Days were intended to honour agreements between First Nations and the Crown, many treaty promises went unfulfilled. The Indian Act, the Pass System, and the use of government food rations disrupted traditional food systems and restricted First Nations peoples from hunting, fishing, and gathering on their lands.

With government rations consisting largely of flour, lard, salt, and sugar, Indigenous communities adapted the Scottish quick-bread known as bannach using the limited ingredients available. What began as a necessity during a period of forced dependence became an enduring symbol of Indigenous resilience and ingenuity.

Today, many Treaty Day celebrations feature bannock alongside traditional foods such as bison, moose, fish, and berries, reflecting the ongoing revitalization of Indigenous food traditions and food sovereignty.

This National Bannock Day, UFCW Canada encourages everyone to learn about the history and significance of bannock, try a traditional recipe, and take time to celebrate the strength, cultures, and lasting contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples.