Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador is Canada's easternmost province, and consists of the island of Labrador and Newfoundland, which is a triangular shaped territory on the Canadian mainland. The first record of European settlement was with the Vikings, around the year 1001. 3 settlements where founded, but later abandoned.

The next round of explorers where led by John Cabot, in 1497. However, the Portuguese claimed territorial rights through the treaty of Tordesillas. Joao Fernandes Lavrador led expeditions in 1499 and 1500. By exploring the north Atlantic coast, this gave rise to the name "Labrador" on the maps. In 1501 and 1502, the Corte-Real brothers claimed the territories of what is now Newfoundland, and Labrador for Portugal. The Portuguese then set about establishing fishing outposts. However, these where abandoned later in the 1520's in favour of southern America.

Sir Humphrey Gilbert, carrying letters of Patent from Queen Elizabeth I in 1583 landed on the island of St Johns and claimed it for England. From 1610, Newfoundland began to see North America's first English colonies. Fishing grew in importance to such an extent that the area also saw some settlement from Basques, ans well as French fishermen.

The Treaty of Utrecht finally saw Britain gain total control over Newfoundland, and the island of Labrador. Though given its rich fishing grounds, the French and Spanish continued to press claims. But to no avail.

In 1854, Newfoundland gained its first territorial government, and in 1869, with its general election, rejected joining the new Canadian Federation. A second attempt nearly succeeded in 1892.

Newfoundland remained outside the Canadian Federation as a separate colony until 1907, when it gained Dominion status. Dominion status gave Newfoundland self-governing status within the British Empire. In other words, they looked after their own domestic affairs. With this came their first flag. The Dominion flag was the British red ensign featuring the crest of Newfoundland.

Dominion did not, however, last too long. By 1933, with unsustainable debts, the legislature voted itself out of existence. This led to a Commission being installed to run the territory, with officers directly appointed by the British government. 

After 15 years, with prosperity returning, agitation began to take place to scrap the Commission. However, with a population of only 317,000 people, the territory was deemed too small to be independent. So, a Convention was set up to discus the possibilities.

Eventually, in 1948 a referendum was held. It asked the people to choose from 3 options. Option 1, was to keep the Commission. Option 2 was to become an independent dominion again, and option 3 was to seek union with Canada. 

No option gained an outright majority. Therefore, a second referendum was held, this time, with the top 2 choices. This time, the majority voted for union with Canada. So, the negotiations began, and finally, in 1949, Newfoundland became part of Canada.

In 2001, under growing pressure to recognise the island, the province of Newfoundland amended its constitution to change its name to Newfoundland and Labrador. Labrador has seen a growth in the popularity of the idea of separating from Newfoundland totally, to become its own province. 

Newfoundland has a well-used unofficial flag, a green, white and pink tricolor. The green standing for the Catholics, and the Pink taken from a Native society.

Newfoundland's official flag was introduced in 1980, and was designed by local artist, Christopher Pratt. The flag features a design that looks similar to the British Union flag. However, its use of triangle forms features far more symbolism. 

The blue triangles on the left represent the Union Jack, and the territory's historic links to Britain. The blue itself represents the sea. The white represents snow and ice. The red represents the struggle made by Newfoundlanders, and the gold represents hope for the future.

The red triangle shapes represent the territories of Labrador, and Newfoundland proper. The gold form represents an arrow pointing to the future. However, when the flag is hung vertically, it represents a sword. Honouring those from Newfoundland who gave the ultimate sacrifice during wartime. 

Also, the red triangles and gold point represent a trident. This also symbolises the provinces dependence on the sea and its fisheries.