DOCSLIB.ORG

Narratives of Kanak Identity As an Articulated Ensemble: Synchronic Approach and Diachronic Aim

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Narratives of Kanak Identity As an Articulated Ensemble: Synchronic Approach and Diachronic Aim People and Culture in Oceania, 33: 37-72, 2017 New Caledonia: Narratives of Kanak Identity as an Articulated Ensemble: Synchronic Approach and Diachronic Aim Junko Edo* The characteristic of the Kanak decolonization movement in New Caledonia lies in the revendication de l’identité kanak (demand for Kanak identity) as the recovery of rights of indigenous people. As identity is process, my main purpose is to see diachronically how Kanaks claimed their indigenous identity and struggled to recover their rights via their decolonization movement, and how they have achieved rights as a result of the struggle. As identity is multiple, the problematic of this diachronic aim is that it has to take a synchronic approach as methodology: in the relation between identity and discourse, Kanak identity is inseparably linked to the dimensions of nation, culture, and community as an articulated ensemble. Therefore, after theoretically introducing the synchronic approach, in the diachronic aim the paper represents the revendication de l’identité kanak from a macro-viewpoint, while demonstrating how the above 3 are interwoven as the ensemble through discourses of the people. Keywords: revendication de l’identité kanak, discourse, articulation, indigeneity, indigenous rights, autochtone (autochthone), narrative 1. Introduction As the map shows, New Caledonia is presently composed of the North Province (16 communes), the South Province (13) on the Grande Terre (literally big land), and the Loyalty Islands Province (3). Settled by Austronesian-speaking people from Southeast Asia about 4,000 years ago and annexed by France in 1853, it is a multi-ethnic society: as shown in the population tables, indigenous Melanesians, now called “Kanak,” presently make up about 40% of the total population of 245,580; Europeans, including descendants of settlers, called “caldoches,” 29%; Pacific Islanders 12%; Asians 3%; and others 16% (Institut de la Statistique et des Études Économiques Nouvelle-Calédonie [INSEE-ISEE], 2012 ). The decolonization movement began at the end of the 1960s, led by Melanesian students in France who had experienced the événements de Mai (events of May 1968) and paradoxically adopted “Canaque” (now “Kanak”), the derogatory term for indigenous people, as the symbol of * Retired: Formerly affiliated with the Faculty of Foreign Studies, Kyorin University, Tokyo. [e-mail: [email protected]] 38 J. Edo North Province Loyalty Islands Province Annual growth 1996-2009 decrease South Province (between 0% and -2%) slight increase (between 0% and 1%) middling increase (between 1% and 3%) large increase (between 3% and 6%) Map 1. Map of New Caledonia: Province and Communes (INSEE-ISEE, 2012) Table 1. Population Changes by Ethnic Community (INSEE-ISEE, 2012) 1963 1969 1976 1983 1989 1996 2009 Kanak 41,190 46,200 55,598 61,870 73,598 86,788 99,078 European 33,355 41,268 50,757 53,974 55,085 67,151 71,721 Wallisian, Futunan － － 9,571 12,174 14,186 17,763 21,262 Tahitian － － 6,391 5,570 4,750 5,171 4,985 Indonesian － － 5,111 5,319 5,191 5,003 3,985 Vietnamese － － 1,943 2,381 2,461 2,822 2,357 Ni-Vanuatu － － 1,050 1,212 1,683 2,244 2,327 Others 11,974 13,111 2,812 2,868 7,219 9,894 39,865 Total 86,519 100,579 133,233 145,368 164,173 196,836 245,580 Table 2. Population by Province in Relation to Ethnic Communities (2009) (INSEE-ISEE, 2012) Wallisian, Ni- Kanak European Tahitian Indonesian Vietnamese Others Total Futunan Vanuatu Loyalty Islands 16,847 341 25 14 7 1 13 188 17,266 Province North Province 33,312 5,753 336 247 445 44 132 4,868 39,700 South Province 48,919 65,627 20,901 4,724 3,533 2,312 2,182 34,809 161,115 New Caledonia 99,078 71,721 21,262 4,985 3,985 2,357 2,327 39,865 245,580 % 40 29 9 2 2 1 1 16 100 Narratives of Kanak Identity as an Articulated Ensemble 39 their identity. As this is followed by the revendication de l’identité kanak (Kanak identity claim), I see that the characteristics of the Kanak decolonization movement lie in this identity claim as the recovery of their rights. Therefore, I conducted research on the struggle for Kanak identity over many years by interviewing and collecting discourses of local people, including Kanak and Caledonians. This is because identity does not exist as a real entity, but is imagined in the minds of people, uttered by their voices and asserted in discursive practices. In order to conclude the research theme, I published a book in Japanese on narratives of Kanak identity (title in English: Kanak Identity in New Caledonia-Narratives of Nation, Community and Culture, Edo, 2015). This work was based on analysis of the discourses, recorded mainly in the late 1990s and the late 2000s in my fieldwork1 and transcribed as text. As identity is process, the main purpose of the book is to view diachronically how Kanaks claim their indigenous identity and struggle to recover their rights via their decolonization movement, and how they achieved the rights during the periods of the Matignon Accords and the present Nouméa Accord. The problematic of this diachronic aim, however, is that it has to take a synchronic approach as methodology, because in the relation between identity and discourse, Kanak identity is inseparably tied to the dimensions of nation, culture, and community. This was the fact immediately found at the very beginning of the fieldwork: when I questioned people in an unspecified way about “Kanak identity,” people began talking about identity based on clan at the community level, even though it emerged at an ethnicity level. I was reminded of the fact that their forebears lived on this land long before they were called Kanaks, and that what is more real to them is the community identity they share in living. However, when asked about Kanak identity vis-à-vis other ethnic communities, they talked about their culture as cultural identity on the ethnicity level, and when asked about it politically, referring to the revendication de l’identité kanak, they talked about the claim for rights of indigenous people in the context of independence, seeking a nation at the national level. As if unraveling tangled threads multi-dimensionally, I started tackling Kanak identity with key terms as clues to decode their identity struggle. Thus, my research was guided by their discursive practices while pursuing topics of Kanak identity dispersed in their discourses. Therefore, the book is a representation of narratives of Kanak Identity as an articulated ensemble of narratives of nation, culture, and community. Since there seems to be no narrative of Kanak identity interwoven diachronically and synchronically,2 it is a new, voluminous (660 pages in Japanese) representation. 1 My fieldwork on Kanak identity totals 7 periods in 1996-1998 and 2004-2007. If my initial fieldwork in 1986 and the second in 1991 are included, the number of interviewees reaches nearly 100 and that of interviews totals nearly 170. 2 Those written on Kanak identity can be found, such as Tjibaou, 1996, 2005; Bensa, 1990, 1995; and Leblic, 2007. 40 J. Edo As an attempt to give a partial glimpse of the book, first this paper theoretically introduces the synchronic approach, and second, it diachronically aims to elucidate the axis of the revendication de l’identité kanak as a historical struggle for indigenous rights. It then demonstrates how discourses of the people3 are interwoven as an ensemble in synchronic and diachronic contexts. 2. Synchronic Approach 2.1 Identity and Discourse Identity is a Western term, the concept of which originates from the Cartesian subject as cogito ergo sum (“I think, therefore I am”). “Who am I?” is the basic and ontological question of identifying one’s entity. If the western tradition of identity treats the subject as a discrete individual, post-structuralists seek to deconstruct the subject and post-modernists’ analysis sees the subject as taking different intersubjective positions. This is akin to the traditional Oceanic view of identity. As Leenhardt describes Kanak personhood in Do Kamo, the self, located according to one’s position as a member of a kin group, is pluralistic by changing its identity in relation to others (Leenhardt, 1979: 153-156). A Kanak high school teacher describes how his individual identity is traditionally defined: “I am obliged to define myself in relation to my clan, in relation to the chiefdoms and other clans...Identity is the subject of us and not the subject of me” (October 1997). His way of identifying defines the subject of identity as not in the individual but the collective, and demonstrates that the clan and chiefdoms play a preponderant role in locating one’s identity according to hierarchical relations. That is, Kanak traditional identity on the community level lies in the clan through paternal descent from a common ancestor and the place from which the clan originates. The pluralistic self, by changing according to relationships with others, suggests that their episteme is to conceive of the world holistically in the web of relations. This recalls the Tylorean concept of culture as a “complex whole,” which corresponds to custom as the total way of indigenous life. In fact, a customary authority says that “Kanak identity is all-embracing...it is the style of collective life, coutume (custom)…the approach of Kanak is always holistic” (August 2007). He also comments, “The French human right is the right of only one person for a community” (September 2005). This shows that their claim to identity and rights is holistic and made in terms of the collectivity with the priority of the group over the individual.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Publication : CUSTOMARY SENATE of NEW CALEDONIA James Cook Avenue - Nouville - Tel: + 687 24 20 00 in Association with B
    Publication : CUSTOMARY SENATE OF NEW CALEDONIA James Cook Avenue - Nouville - Tel: + 687 24 20 00 In association with B. EDITEUR (Publishing Company) - Desktop publishing: Ms Sandrine DUBOUREAU Printed by: The Service of the Administrative Printing Department of New Caledonia 18, Paul Doumer Avenue - Noumea - Tel: + 687 25 60 20 Publication date: October 2014 3 THE CHARTER of the KANAK PEOPLE Regarding the Common Basis of the Values and Fundamental principlesof the Kanak Civilisation 4 THE CHARTER is the melting pot of the Kanak civilisation’s sacred values It comprises: A report and a preamble, outlining the history of the autochthonous Kanak people and the connection of its millennial history with the 160 years of French colonisation. Thus, it demonstrates the populating of the mainland and the surrounding Islands, the shock of colonisation and the evangelisation, the despoliation of lands, the breakdown of Kanak’s social structures, its reconstruction and the need for its reorganisation in a new framework and its role in the project for a new society. Chapter I introduces the 18 values of the Kanak Society: It is possible to differentiate values which are specifically Kanak, such as the tie to the land, history, respect, solidarity and consensus, as well as values of the universal characteristics of humanity, such as freedom, dignity and equality. Chapter II covers the general principles of the Kanak civilisation. Several sections compose this chapter: - about the “word of the hut” or “word of the eldest” or “the philosophical vision
    [Show full text]
  • General Assembly Distr.: General 22 March 2012
    United Nations A/AC.109/2012/15 General Assembly Distr.: General 22 March 2012 Original: English Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples New Caledonia Working paper prepared by the Secretariat Contents Page The Territory at a glance ........................................................ 3 I. Constitutional, political and legal issues ........................................... 5 II. Budget ....................................................................... 7 III. Economic conditions ........................................................... 8 A. General .................................................................. 8 B. Mineral resources .......................................................... 8 C. Construction and manufacturing .............................................. 8 D. Agriculture and fishing ..................................................... 9 E. Transport and communications ............................................... 9 F. Tourism and environment ................................................... 9 IV. Social conditions .............................................................. 10 A. General .................................................................. 10 B. Employment .............................................................. 11 C. Education ................................................................ 12 D. Health care ..............................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Under a New Flag. Defining Citizenship
    THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY School of International, Political and Strategic Studies State, Society and Governance in Melanesia State Society and in Governance Melanesia DISCUSSION PAPER Discussion Paper 2010/2 UNDER A NEW FLAG? DEFINING CITIZENSHIP IN NEW CALEDONIA In October 2009, the French government French Constitution, which states that France NIC launched a ‘grand debate on national iden- is an ‘indivisible republic’ and ensures ‘the MACLELLAN tity’. Through the Ministry of Immigration and equality of all citizens before the law, without National Identity, the government set up a distinction of origin, race or religion’. website asking ‘For you, what does it mean In spite of these principles, the May to be French?’.1 1998 Noumea Accord includes the creation This initiative sought community perspec- of a New Caledonian ‘citizenship’, as a tives on citizenship in an age of globalisation legal mechanism to allow positive discrimi- and migration into Europe from Africa, the nation for the indigenous Kanak people and Maghreb and Mashreq. It also came at a other long-term residents of New Caledo- time when France, Belgium and Switzerland nia, against French soldiers, public servants were engaged in debates over Islam and and other workers on short-term contracts the banning of the burqa, hijab and mosque who mostly vote against independence. As minarets. detailed below, New Caledonian citizens are But this debate over nationality, identity given certain privileges—in voting, employ- and citizenship also raises significant issues ment and economic rights—that are not for people living in France’s overseas depen- available to all French nationals who are liv- dencies.
    [Show full text]
  • French, English Or Kanak Languages?
    University of Wollongong Research Online Faculty of Law, Humanities and the Arts - Papers Faculty of Law, Humanities and the Arts 2017 French, English or Kanak languages? Can Traditional Languages and Cultures be Sustained in New Caledonia? Anu Bissoonauth-Bedford University of Wollongong, [email protected] Nina Parish University of Bath, [email protected] Publication Details Bissoonauth, A. & Parish, N. (2017). French, English or Kanak languages? Can Traditional Languages and Cultures be Sustained in New Caledonia?. Portal: journal of multidisciplinary international studies, 14 (2), 39-53. Research Online is the open access institutional repository for the University of Wollongong. For further information contact the UOW Library: [email protected] French, English or Kanak languages? Can Traditional Languages and Cultures be Sustained in New Caledonia? Abstract New Caledonia has an unusual linguistic dynamic in comparison to other French overseas territories. While New Caledonia was established as a penal colony in 1853, the other French islands were settled as plantation colonies in the 17th and 18th centuries. In these areas, French Creole is usually the lingua franca and has lower status than French. In New Caledonia, although French has official status and dominates in state institutions, it is the native language of only half of the population. There are 28 indigenous languages and a French Creole, Tayo, spoken mostly in the rural areas. The 2014 ec nsus population revealed a multicultural New Caledonian population, it did not however record the rate of multilingualism in speakers. The present study conducted in two stages addresses a gap in the research by focussing on patterns of language use and social attitudes of New Caledonians towards their own multilingualism.
    [Show full text]
  • Christianity in New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands
    PACIFIC CHURCHES RESEARCH CENTRE P.O. BOX 551. Port Vi la, VANUATU RC/ 3 (Engl lahl CHRISTIANITV IN NEW CALEDONIA AND THE LOYALTV ISLANDS Sociological Profile by Jean Maria 'KOHL ER ORS TOM Researcher Translation by Rev.Charles VERLINGUE and Rev.François-Xavier ZEWEN Office de la Recherche Scientifique et Technique Outre- Mer Noumea 1981 Available at the Pacific Churches Research Centre, P.o. Box 551, Port-Vila, Vanuatu. Inland price VT 100, overseas surface US ~ 2.00, airmail us ~ 3.00. CON TENTS Page 1 - INTRODUCTION TO NEW CALEDONIA •••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 2 1. 1. - Physical geography ~ ............... 2 1.2. - Precolonial settlements ••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 3 1.3. - Evolution of population since colonization •••••••• 3 1.4. - Political organization •••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 5 1.5. - Economie structures 6 1.6. - Cul·tural aspects 7 2 - HISTORY OF THE CHURCHES •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 9 2.1. - The conditions of missionary implantation ••••••••• 9 2.2. - The missionary implantation and the spreading of christianity 10 3 - NUHBER OF MEHBERS AND INFRASTUCTURES OF THE CHURCHES ••••• 13 3.1. - Distribution of Faithful to the Churches •••••••••• 13 3.2. - Ethnic cOllposition of the Churches' ••••••••.••••••• 14 3.3. - Demographic evolution of the Churches ••••••••••••• 15 3.4. - Geographical distribution of the Faithful ••••••••• 19 3.5. - Infrastructuret personnel, and locial activities of the Churches 19 4 - SUNI>AY WORSHIP .••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••' 21 4.1. - Places of worship, and churchgoers accordingto ethnic groups, sex, and age ••••••••••••••••••••••• 21 4.2. - Religious'practice on the parish level and interparish mobility in Catholic environment •••••• 24 4.3. - Evolution of religious practiae in Catholic environJDent 24 5 - REVIEW OF CHURCH ACTIVITIES AND FUTURE OF THE CHURCHES 25 5.1.
    [Show full text]
  • Anderson and Anderson
    Australian Folklore 32, 2017 125 Conflicting Identities and the Search for the Post-Colonial State in New Caledonia1 Alan B. Anderson and Kjell Anderson2 ABSTRACT: Through an extensive historical review and political analysis, the authors emphasize that in the search for the post-colonial state in New Caledonia, there have been three conflicting views of national identity: the ethnonationalism of the indigenous Melanesian Kanaks, the perpetuation, yet reinterpretation, of French colonialism, and, increasingly, a more accommodating pluralistic view. An updated demographic profile indicates that no one particular ethnic category is predominant; New Caledonia is clearly multicultural, although politics have focused around bipolar competition between the colonial French and the indigenous Kanaks. In pondering the future of New Caledonia, the authors conclude that both indigenous ethnonationalism and French neo-colonialism could in fact be accommodated within a pluralistic model; an effective pluralism policy can be formulated and promulgated, moving New Caledonia more purposefully towards full independence. KEYWORDS: New Caledonia; Nouvelle Calédonie; Ethnic Conflict; Ethnic Relations; Kanak; Indigenous Nationalism; French Colonialism; Colonialism; Nationalism Introduction National identity in the South Pacific island state of New Caledonia (Nouvelle Calédonie) has evolved into three distinct forms. First, the ethnonationalism of the indigenous Kanak population is aimed at establishing a completely independent state with Kanak culture and identity central to national identity. Thus Kanaky (Kanaké) would become a fifth independent Melanesian state; Kanak cultural symbolism would become national symbolism; and Kanak languages would be regarded as equivalent to French.3 Second, French neo-colonialism is opposed to complete independence, although it may assume movement toward partial 1 This article has been revised and updated from an earlier co-authored article: ‘Nationalism in New Caledonia’, Canadian Review of Studies in Nationalism, Fall 2004, pp.
    [Show full text]
  • Indigenous and Customary Authorities - Metropolitan States - Local Metropolitan Authorities
    Island Studies Journal, 15(1), 2020, 67-88 Triangular negotiations of island sovereignty: Indigenous and customary authorities - metropolitan states - local metropolitan authorities Cadey Korson Massey University, Aotearoa New Zealand [email protected] (corresponding author) Sybille Poaouteta Independent researcher, New Caledonia [email protected] Gerard Prinsen Massey University, Aotearoa New Zealand [email protected] Abstract: The benefits of subnational island jurisdiction (SNIJ) status are well detailed, but less attention has been given to the diffusion of economic, social and political benefits associated with these islands’ Islandian sovereignty among diverse island populations. The 2007 UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples indicated the international community’s formal recognition of Indigenous peoples’ rights to political self-determination and govern their own affairs through their own decision-making institutions, and requires states to consult with these organisations to obtain free, prior and informed consent. Yet, few SNIJs with Indigenous peoples have established or restored Indigenous bodies of authority distinct from local governments. In the context of Islandian sovereignty and the unique power relationships organised between metropoles and islands, we consider how Indigenous authorities negotiate independence and dependence, statehood and non-sovereignty, autonomy and control. This article offers a foundational typology for thinking about these multilateral relations between metropoles,
    [Show full text]
  • In Kanak Languages Anne-Laure Dotte, Claire Moyse-Faurie
    Toward a comparative typology of ‘eating’ in Kanak languages Anne-Laure Dotte, Claire Moyse-Faurie To cite this version: Anne-Laure Dotte, Claire Moyse-Faurie. Toward a comparative typology of ‘eating’ in Kanak lan- guages. Oceanic Linguistics, University of Hawai’i Press, 2021, 60 (1), 10.1353/ol.2021.0006. hal- 03094721v2 HAL Id: hal-03094721 https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-03094721v2 Submitted on 26 Jul 2021 HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est archive for the deposit and dissemination of sci- destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents entific research documents, whether they are pub- scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, lished or not. The documents may come from émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de teaching and research institutions in France or recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires abroad, or from public or private research centers. publics ou privés. TOWARD A TYPOLOGY OF EATING IN KANAK LANGUAGES 1 Toward a Comparative Typology of ‘Eating’ in Kanak Languages Anne-Laure Dotte† and Claire Moyse-Faurie‡ †UNIVERSITÉ DE LA NOUVELLE-CALÉDONIE AND ‡LACITO-CNRS This paper aims to explore the diversity of expressions for food ingestion in some Oceanic languages, and intends to map out the convergences and divergences attested among these languages. Six main points are addressed: first, a brief historical and environmental survey will be presented; second, the parameters distinguishing ‘eat’ verbs among the Kanak languages will be compared with the differentiation made in other Oceanic languages. In the notional domain under discussion, each Kanak language has its own food noun categories, depending on physical, nutritive or symbolic (cultural) criteria, and distinguished on the basis of the verb they combine with.
    [Show full text]
  • A Study of Space in Caac, an Oceanic Language Spoken in the North of New Caledonia
    The University of Manchester Research A study of space in Caac, an Oceanic language spoken in the north of New Caledonia Link to publication record in Manchester Research Explorer Citation for published version (APA): Cauchard, A. (2015). A study of space in Caac, an Oceanic language spoken in the north of New Caledonia. University of Manchester. Citing this paper Please note that where the full-text provided on Manchester Research Explorer is the Author Accepted Manuscript or Proof version this may differ from the final Published version. If citing, it is advised that you check and use the publisher's definitive version. General rights Copyright and moral rights for the publications made accessible in the Research Explorer are retained by the authors and/or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. Takedown policy If you believe that this document breaches copyright please refer to the University of Manchester’s Takedown Procedures [http://man.ac.uk/04Y6Bo] or contact [email protected] providing relevant details, so we can investigate your claim. Download date:08. Oct. 2021 A STUDY OF SPACE IN CAAC, AN OCEANIC LANGUAGE SPOKEN IN THE NORTH OF NEW CALEDONIA A thesis submitted to The University of Manchester for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Faculty of Humanities 2014 Aurélie Cauchard School of Arts, Languages and Cultures Contents Abbreviations .........................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • France in the South Pacific Power and Politics
    France in the South Pacific Power and Politics France in the South Pacific Power and Politics Denise Fisher Published by ANU E Press The Australian National University Canberra ACT 0200, Australia Email: [email protected] This title is also available online at http://epress.anu.edu.au National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry Author: Fisher, Denise, author. Title: France in the South Pacific : power and politics / Denise Fisher. ISBN: 9781922144942 (paperback) 9781922144959 (eBook) Notes: Includes bibliographical references. Subjects: France--Foreign relations--Oceania. Oceania--Foreign relations--France. France--Foreign relations--New Caledonia. New Caledonia--Foreign relations--France. Dewey Number: 327.44095 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher. Cover design and layout by ANU E Press Printed by Griffin Press This edition © 2013 ANU E Press Contents Acknowledgements . vii List of maps, figures and tables . ix Glossary and acronyms . xi Maps . xix Introduction . 1 Part I — France in the Pacific to the 1990s 1. The French Pacific presence to World War II . 13 2. France manages independence demands and nuclear testing 1945–1990s . 47 3 . Regional diplomatic offensive 1980s–1990s . 89 Part II — France in the Pacific: 1990s to present 4. New Caledonia: Implementation of the Noumea Accord and political evolution from 1998 . 99 5. French Polynesia: Autonomy or independence? . 179 6. France’s engagement in the region from the 1990s: France, its collectivities, the European Union and the region .
    [Show full text]
  • New Caledonia Landscape Biodiversity Population History Founding Texts Administrative Organization Economy Culture Maison De La Nouvelle-Calédonie in Paris
    NEW CALEDONIA LANDSCAPE BIODIVERSITY POPULATION HISTORY FOUNDING TEXTS ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION ECONOMY CULTURE MAISON DE LA NOUVELLE-CALÉDONIE IN PARIS AUTHOR: ANNE PITOISET Anne Pitoiset is a journalist, writer and TV documentary filmmaker. She is the author of a number of books and films about New Caledonia. NEW CALEDONIA Maison de la Nouvelle-Calédonie 4 bis rue de Ventadour 75001 Paris 01 42 86 70 00 www.mncparis.fr NEW CALEDONIA LANDSCAPE – 13 At the centre of Melanesia, the New Caledonia archipelago is enchantingly unique, thanks to its BIODIVERSITY – 17 geography, history and culture. POPULATION – 29 Often noted for its exceptional biodiversity or underground wealth, the archipelago also contains HISTORY – 35 other treasures, less visible perhaps, but just as important. FOUNDING TEXTS – 53 In its deepest valleys, in the secret of its forests, the ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION – 59 myths and legends of the first humans live on. The presence of deceased ancestors, the Elders, endlessly ECONOMY – 63 repeated, is at the heart of the land’s soul. CULTURE – 81 The ancestral memory of origins, for so long only a part of Kanak culture, has today become an essential MAISON DE LA NOUVELLE-CALÉDONIE fact for all the communities that make up the IN PARIS – 101 archipelago’s population. Founding political action has built the basis of a modern, peaceful Caledonia, which is now writing a new page in its history. After coming to terms with its complicated past of colonization, penal colonies and suffering, New Caledonia has now accepted its multiple roots and shared Oceanian identity. This booklet offers the keys to unlocking a new understanding of New Caledonia, its wealth, its unique journey and the originality of its exceptional destiny.
    [Show full text]
  • 3 Language Ideologies, Practices and Policies in Kanaky/New Caledonia
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by SOAS Research Online 3 Language ideologies, practices and policies in Kanaky/New Caledonia Julia Sallabank 3.1 Introduction From colonisation by France in 1853 until the Accords of 1989 and 1998, the indigenous Kanak people of New Caledonia, and their culture and languages, were marginalised and children were forbidden from speaking their home lan- guages at school. Education still follows the French curriculum, although grad- ual devolution of powers is under way. Little sociolinguistic research has been carried out in Kanaky/New Caledonia, especially into the processes of language shift and change, language attitudes and ideologies in relation to language pol- icy; the only readily available study is Schooling ( 1990 ), which focuses on the role of social networks in language maintenance. The small-scale study described in this chapter investigates attitudes towards language and language practices in Pweevo, Northern Province, and then goes on to examine the responses of both individuals and government agencies. 3.1.1 Socio-economic and political background Kanaky/New Caledonia is an archipelago in the Pacifi c Ocean, approximately 1500 kilometres (950 miles) east of Australia and about 540 kilometres (335 miles) south-west of Vanuatu. The main island, known as Grande Terre, is approximately 50 km (30 miles) wide, but 500 km (310 miles) long (see Figure 3.1 ). The culture, socio-economic background, colonial history and decolonisation process are all intricately linked with language policies, prac- tices, attitudes and ideologies. I owe a great debt to Aur é lie Cauchard, who was extremely generous with her time, expertise and contacts.
    [Show full text]