In 1982 an unofficial local flag was designed, based on the Collectivity's coat of arms. The flag is blue with a yellow ship, said to be Grande Hermine, which brought Jacques Cartier to Saint Pierre on 15 June 1536.[1] Three square fields placed along the hoist recall the origin of most inhabitants of the islands, from top to bottom, the Basqueikurriña, the arms of the duchy of Brittany for the Bretons, and the flag of Normandy for the Normans.[2] The flag was likely designed by André Paturel, a local business owner.[citation needed]
Although not used at an official level, the flag is still a common sight in the territory, being flown alongside the French tricolour in front of private residences and even government buildings.