A Tribute to the Labrador Flag

Labradorans love their (unofficial) flag. It's everywhere here, not just in flag form but on inukshuks, bird houses, chairs, rocks, trash cans, picnic tables. You get the point.

The symbolism is interesting. Adopted in 1974, it was created to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Newfoundland's confederation with Canada.

From Wikipedia:

The top white bar represents the snow which colours the culture and lifestyle of Labradorians like no other element. The bottom blue bar represents the waters of Labrador which serve as the highway and sustainer of the people of Labrador. The centre green bar represents the nurturing land. It is thinner than the other two, as the northern climes of Labrador have short summers.

The twig is in two year-growths to represent the past and future of Labrador. The shorter growth of the inner twigs represents the hardships of the past, while the outer twigs are longer as a representation of the hope Labradorians have for the future.

The three branches represent the three founding nations of Labrador; the Innu, the Inuit, and the European settlers. The three branches emerging from a single stalk represents the unity of the distinct peoples in the brotherhood of all mankind, thus representing people of these and all backgrounds in Labrador. Since the black spruce, a member of the pine family of trees is the official tree of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador it also serves as a reminder that Labrador is part of that larger entity.Read more