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 Kilmarnock, Scotland.
An Annual Conference and General Meeting is held every year,
alternating between Canada and the US.
Conferences usually take place in May or June.
Recent Conferences have been held in:-
Calgary AB (2002), Baltimore,MD(2003), Merrickville ON (2004) and Waukesha WI (2005), Halifax NS (2006) Winnipeg MN (2007), Houston (On a Cruise Ship, 2008),
& Mississauga ON (2009), and Detroit, 2010.
The 2011 conference was again hosted by the Winnipeg Club
on 13th. to 15th. May.
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 2010 Annual General Meeting in Livonia Detroit,
Chrys Ballantyne of the Halton Peel Club was acclaimed RBANA President,
Colin Harris of the Winnipeg Club was acclaimed as Vice President.
Ron Ballantyne of the Halton Peel Club was appointed as RBANA Secretary/Treasurer.