The Bannock Bake Off
Welcome to the return of the Calgary Indigenous Community Bannock Bake Off!
For this competition, it’s fry bread we’re making—and it’s fried, not baked.
The Bannock Bake Off was originally a beloved community tradition held as part of
Aboriginal Awareness Week, which was created by the Calgary Aboriginal Arts Awareness
Society. The event brought together Indigenous organizations, businesses, families, and
community members in a spirited and friendly competition that celebrated culture,
community, and, of course, great fry bread.
After more than a decade away, we are proud to revive this community staple and invite a
new generation of Bannock Makers to compete for bragging rights, community pride, and the
coveted Bannock Bake Off Trophy.
Section Title
Competition Details
● Maximum of twelve (12) teams will be accepted.
● Registration Fee: $250 per team.
● Each team may have up to six (6) members.
● Each team must appoint a Team Captain as the primary contact.
● Teams must register and submit payment prior to the registration deadline.
● All participants must sign an event waiver.
● Participants under 18 years of age must have parental or guardian consent.
Team Spirit & Presentation
Each team must:
● Choose a team name.
● Select a team theme.
● Create a team banner or signage.
● Share a brief team story about why bannock or fry bread is meaningful to them.
● Decorate and present their cooking area in alignment with their chosen theme.
Community spirit, creativity, and presentation are all part of the competition.
Cooking Requirements
● All fry bread must be prepared and cooked on-site.
● Pre-made dough is not permitted.
● Partially prepared dough is not permitted.
● Pre-cooked fry bread is not permitted.
● Teams must bring all ingredients and cooking supplies.
● Event organizers will provide cooking grills.
● Teams must prepare a minimum of one hundred (100) pieces of fry bread.
● Teams may prepare traditional or specialty fry bread.
● Cooking must begin and end within the designated competition period.
Food Safety Requirements
● Teams must comply with all applicable Alberta Health Services food handling
guidelines.
● All ingredients must be fresh and fit for consumption.
● Teams are responsible for maintaining a clean and sanitary cooking area.
● Handwashing stations and sanitation procedures must be followed.
● Event organizers reserve the right to inspect cooking areas at any time.
● Any team creating unsafe food handling conditions may be disqualified.
● Alcohol and illicit substances are prohibited within the competition area.
People’s Choice Award
The community will have an opportunity to vote for their favourite team.
● Each attendee will receive one vote.
● Voting closes at the announced time.
● The team receiving the highest number of votes will be awarded the People’s Choice
Award.
Awards
1st Place
2026 Calgary Indigenous Community Bannock Bake Off Champion
● Championship Trophy
● Year-long bragging rights
● Recognition as Calgary’s Best Bannock Makers
2nd Place
Runner-Up Award
People’s Choice Award
Community Favourite
Community Spirit Award
Presented to the team that best demonstrates:
● Hospitality
● Teamwork
● Humour
● Cultural Pride
● Community Engagement
The Spirit of the Competition
The Calgary Indigenous Community Bannock Bake Off is more than a cooking contest. It is
a celebration of community, culture, storytelling, laughter, friendly competition, and the
traditions that bring us together.
Whether you’re competing for the trophy, the bragging rights, or simply to share your
favourite family recipe, we invite everyone to come together, reconnect, and help revive a
cherished Calgary Indigenous tradition.
May the best Bannock Makers win!
Presented in partnership with
