San Francisco, CA, USA. N.A.B.O., the entity comprised of Basque clubs and entities in North America welcomed the Saint Pierre et Miquelon Basque Club as a new member. The club’s application for membership was accepted last Saturday during the annual NABO Winter meting that took place on Zoom. Some years ago, the Basques on the archipelago and its Basque club began collaborating with other Basque clubs on the East Coast. In 2018, they participated for the first time in a N.A.B.O. meeting in a process that has now culminated with its official incorporation into the Federation.
Currently N.A.B.O. is comprised of Basque entities in the United States and Canada. Basques in Mexico also have the right to join, however this was explored a few years ago with the process not going any further.
Although geographically, Saint Pierre et Miquelon is situated in Newfoundland, politically and administratively, it is part of France. Historically it has registered Basque presence from early on, whalers and cod fishermen, as well as some pioneers, some of the first European visitors.
As a tribute of this presence and contribution, the flag that identities Saint Pierre et Miquelon includes the Basque Ikurriña in one of its squares.
Who in the area doesn’t know the open air Basque pilota kantxa constructed in 1906, situated in the center of Saint Pierre?
Among local associations, it is very active in the League of Basque Pilota founded in 1986, and older than that, in 1952, it was very active in the Zazpiak Bat Association which took over from previous associations.
Today the Basque associations also work together and organize, for example, the popular annual Basque Festival every August at the local big kantxa square.
The Basque club that is now part of N.A.B.O. was recognized by the Basque Government and has been part of the Official Registry of Basque Clubs since 2017.
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