RBANA is an association dedicated to the preservation and appreciation of the life, works and philosophies of Scotland's National Bard - Robert Burns, and to promote Scottish culture and heritage in North America.

The idea for the Association came from a meeting in 1981 of representatives of eight Burns Clubs in Annapolis,Maryland. A committee was formed to further explore their ideas.

In 1982 at a meeting in Hamilton,Ontario a constitution was drawn up.
The name "The North American Association of Federated Burnsians" was adopted.
At the 2000 Annual General Meeting in London, Ontario the name
" The Robert Burns Association of North America "
was adopted.
RBANA is affiliated with the Robert Burns World Federation Limited, headquartered at Dean Castle, Kilmarnock,
An Annual Conference and General Meeting is held every year, alternating between Canada and the US.
Conferences usually take place in June or July.
Recent Conferences have been held in Atlanta, GA(2001), Calgary AB (2002), Baltimore,MD(2003),
Merrickville ON (2004) and Waukesha WI (2005).
The 2006 Conference is scheduled for the Canada Day weekend in Halifax NS.
The Winnipeg Robert Burns Club will host the 2007 RBANA during the club’s centennial year
in conjunction with the Annual Federation Conference.
The business of the Association is conducted by an Executive Committee,
which is elected at the Annual General Meeting for a two year term.

The Executive consists of a President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, Immediate Past President,
three Directors from the United States ,and three Directors from Canada.
At the 2006 Annual General Meeting Jim Carrigan, Club President was acclaimed RBANA President.
Colin Harris, Club President 2001-2005 was acclaimed as RBANA Secretary/Treasurer
and Club 2nd Vice-President Tony Grogan was elected as a Canadian Director.

L -R (back) Byron Adams, Ted Hirtz, Colin Harris, Jock Smith
(front) Chrys Ballantine, Joan Turner, Jim Carrigan,Tony Grogan, Gary Clarke