The origins of what is now considered "Canarian people" started with the Spanish conquest of the islands, when the localGuancheBerber population was defeated and eventually assimilated and European-style manorialism introduced in most of the islands. During the last days of the conquest, on 30 May 1481, a Guanche leader from Gran Canaria called Tenesor Semidán signed a peace treaty with Ferdinand II of Aragon, in the so-called Carta de Calatayud. This treaty defined the archipelago as a kingdom within the Spanish monarchy, establishing the legal framework for its administration and its relationship with Spain. The pact signed in Calatayud granted the rights and duties that would shape the Canarian fuero, which would soon be utilized in institutions such as the Cabildos and the Canarian Court. Notable rights stated in the fuero included an autonomous treasury and army, and the continuity of traditional Canarian customs and roles. The Canary Islands had its own currency until 1776. Initially only Gran Canaria accepted the pact, but one by one the whole archipelago eventually consented to the agreement. Spain failed to fulfill the pact several times, a failure that resulted in the uprisings of 1502, 1770, and 1778. The pact was finally discarded during the Restoration.
fiercely oppressed any kind of regional nationalism in Spain and its colonies. However, the 1960s were years known for the activism of various groups. In 1959 the movement Canarias Libre acquired some notoriety, and in 1964, Antonio Cubillo founded the MPAIAC. The MPAIAC created the flag of the seven green stars that is accepted by the nationalist movement as a whole today. During the last days of Francoism the DAC and the FAG, movements attached to Canarian nationalism, committed terrorist acts. Although the movements had initially attracted sympathies, the violent terror actions and the "armed struggle" spearheaded by Cubillo's MPAIAC brought about a general rejection among local Canarios.
Spanish democracy
Since 1982 the Canary Islands have had a statute of autonomy, which defines the archipelago as a nationality of Spain. In the 1980s a nationalist-like party called UPC was the third-most-voted party in Canary Islands. In 1985 Antonio Cubillo returned from Algiers and founded the National Congress of the Canaries. Since 1993, the nationalist party Canarian Coalition has held the government of the islands.
Current situation
At present, many sorts of parties, trade unions and associations describe themselves as "nationalist," some of which support the Berberist cause. The nationalist parties include CC, NC, FREPIC-AWAÑAK, CCN, ANC, Azarug, Partido Nacionalista CanarioAlternativa Popular Canaria, Alternativa Maga Nacionalista, and UP. There are also nationalist trade unions such as FSOC, IC, as well as revolutionary organizations, like Inekaren. Some radical groups use the wordTaknara to refer to the Canary Islands, but other nationalists do not agree with this name. The movement has recently undergone a modest renaissance. The popular newspaper of the islands El Día has changed its editorial line to fit the nationalists' cause. In its pages it is normal to read the opinion of historical nationalist activists. In particular the "Project for a Federal Canarian Republic", written by Antonio Cubillo, has created a stir and a media debate.
