History

The history of the islands dates back to 8,000 years ago, when the North American peoples (Beothuk, Micmac and Paleo-Eskimo) occupied the territory. Explorer João Alvares Fagundes discovered the islands in 1520 and named them "Archipelago of the Eleven Thousand Virgins." French explorer Jacques Cartier arrived there in 1536; this is when the archipelago was renamed Saint-Pierre. Several disputes subsequently took place between the French and English. In 1713, following the Treaty of Utrecht, the French gave up claim to this territory in favour of the English, while keeping fishing rights in Newfoundland waters. Fifty years later, under the Treaty of Paris, France lost all territories in North America, except Saint-Pierre and Miquelon. The archipelago would then fall, back and forth, into the hands of the English and the French until 1815. On November 20, 1815, the Second Treaty of Paris returned the archipelago to France indefinitely.

The history of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon has always been closely linked with fishing. Specifically, the cod fishery has spurred strong feelings in this territory. Following the decision by the New York International Tribunal and the cod fishing moratorium imposed by Canada in 1992, the archipelago had to diversify its economy.

Emblem

Below is an illustration of the flag of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon. The flag underscores the three main origins of the population: Basque, Breton and Norman, as well as Jacques Cartier's ship "la Grande Hermine." The French flag, however, is used in official circumstances.