Free NFLD Long Sleeve T-Shirt

In the 1980s, posters with the slogan "Free Newfoundland" started appearing in downtown St. John’s. By the early 90s, graffiti with "Free NFLD" and a provincial map showed up on George Street, St. John’s bar district, and spread to Toronto, becoming a symbol for Newfoundlanders away from home. The original artist remains unknown, but the message likely had political roots, reflecting feelings that Newfoundland, a former sovereign nation until joining Canada in 1949, should have remained independent. Cartoonist Wallace Ryan redesigned the image with a red star, which he licenced to Dave Hopley. This design quickly became a bestseller, especially during times of provincial assertion.