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BANAC Home Page

  • Cultural Awareness Training
  • Long-Term Care
  • Aboriginal Capacity Building Circle
  • Aboriginal Health Circle
  • Bebminot Family Wellness
  • Biinoojinsauk Child Care Centres

Introduction to BANAC

Since its inception in 1989 The Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle has functioned as a regional social planning and development organization. BANAC region now covers Simcoe County, Muskoka, and the northern York Region. We work in cooperation with communities in areas of concern where coordinated efforts are required to the meet the needs which positively impact the region. BANAC will continue in this social planning capacity, offering consultation and support for our community development.



Current BANAC News & Events


AHC Giant Colon Exhibit


AHC Giant Colon Exhibit and Beausoleil Health Fair
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In collaboration with Beausoleil Family Health Centre, Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Program, and Cancer Care Ontario, BANAC - AHC is proud to present the Giant Colon Exhibit on Christian Island. The Giant Colon offers a rare look inside the body and provides healthy lifestyle tips and explanations of diseases of the colon, including colorectal cancer. In 2009, an estimated 8,100 non-Aboriginal Ontarians were diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 3,300 died from the disease, incidence rates in Aboriginal females are similar and for Aboriginal males, the incidence rates are even higher. What many do not realize is that there is a 90 per cent chance that colorectal cancer can be cured when caught early through regular, repeated screening. First Nations people have also experienced a dramatic increase in diabetes rates – colorectal cancer and diabetes share several risk factors.

Ontario has one of the highest rates of colorectal cancer in the world. It is crucial that people are aware of the facts about the disease and the Giant Colon is a unique and effective way to teach people of all ages about the importance of colorectal cancer and screening. The most important message that we hope The Giant Colon provides visitors, is that proper screening has saved, and will continue to save, thousands of lives in this province. - Dr. Danusia Gzik, CCO Regional Primary Care Lead, North Simcoe Muskoka LHIN
This exciting exhibit is creating a buzz around the region and beyond. Enjoy a day of fun in the sun with the Giant Colon Exhibit, the Beausoleil Family Health Centre Health Fair, the Southern Ontario Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative Foot Care Clinic and Rez-tore Pride Tour. Local Artisans and food vendors will complete your day.

The Health Fair is August 5, 2010 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Parking is free at Cedar Point, a free ferry will be leaving from Cedar Point every hour starting at 9:00 am, and there is free transportation to the health fair from the dock on Christian Island.

We welcome everybody young and old to come enjoy the day with us and celebrate the first time ever the Giant Colon is being hosted by a First Nation community.

The Giant Colon is owned and operated by the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada (CCAC)




BANAC Now on Facebook




New Website = New Beginings
You can now visit the BANAC Facebook Profile. You can also visit the BANAC Facebook Group and the BANAC Facebook Page