Family-friendly Event Once Again Hosted by Culture and Food Sovereignty

With more than 150 in attendance and smiles everywhere, NHBP’s 17th Annual Flapjack Friday celebrated this year’s short, but albeit sweet, Zisbakwtokéwnëget {Maple sugaring season}.

Featuring Zisbakwet {Maple Syrup} as the main highlight, on March 29, 2024, the NHBP Community gathered to laugh, eat delicious food and make memories.

NHBP must be prepared for whatever nature throws our way with the ever-changing climate, and 2024 was no different. The extremely mild winter did not allow the Maple Trees to rest like during a normal winter.

“This season, less than 50 trees were tapped, and we usually tap over 100,” said NHBP Food Sovereignty Coordinator and Tribal Member Nickole Keith, who helped organize the event for the Community. “We are always seeking people to help with the sugaring process; if people are interested, we would love to invite more citizens to help with this process.”

The event included much more than a simple meal.

The Maternal Child Department staff brought an additional element of fun and games into the Community Center Library during Flapjack Friday. Children could take a break from the festivities to play games and read books, while their families could learn more about how the department helps NHBP clients and families.

Other interactive elements of the day were the raffles for Maple Syrup and Food Sovereignty gift baskets and giveaways.

For those with serious appetites for flapjacks, NHBP offered its annual pancake eating contests for several age groups.

Congratulations to the following Pancake Eating Contest winners:
Devonne Harris – 19 and up
Ephraim Clark – 13-18
Avrain Keith – 12 and under

The Maple Syrup auction and the 50-50 drawing closed out the event, both of which raised funds for the NHBP Food Sovereignty Program.

To view the full photo gallery for this event, please click the link: https://nhbp.passgallery.com/-flapjackfriday2024/gallery.