Kanak culture in New Caledonia

The Kanaks were the original inhabitants of New Caledonia, and the proud indigenous people of New Caledonia making about 44% of all New Caledonians. While some live in major cities like Nouméa, many tribal villages are also maintained.

See

• 1 Centre culturel Tjibaou (Tjibaou Cultural Centre), Rue des Accords de Matignon, Nouméa, ☏ +687 41 45 45. 09:00-17:00 (closed Mondays). Kanak museum with all sorts of Kanak architecture. (updated Aug 2021)
• 2 Tribu de Oui Poin, Chez Elise, La Foa, ☏ +687 35 45 22. Offers tribal group activities, hiking, cultural experience, horse trekking and communal dining. Accessing here is quite difficult, with it being on the top of the Grand Terre mountain range. (updated Aug 2021)
• 3 Loyalty Islands. Those islands which are outside the Grand Terre are much richer in Kanak culture than on the mainland, but with also one of the few spots where the ocean comes into play. (updated Aug 2021)
• 4 Musée de la Nouvelle-Calédonie (New Caledonia Museum), 45 avenue du Maréchal Foch, Nouméa, ☏ +687 27 23 42. 09:00-11:30, 12:15-16:30. Museum with some Kanak souvenirs. A$3 (200 F) for Adults, A$1 (50 F) for 12-18 year olds and for seniors (60+). (updated Aug 2021)

Do

• Grande Randonnée. A hiking trail that passes through many tribal villages. (updated Aug 2021)

Buy

• Marjorie Tiaou Tribal Cut, Ouvéa, ☏ +687 51 59 16. Sells and showcases traditional Kanak sculptures. (updated Aug 2021)

Respect

The Kanaks have always been at a disadvantage to the rest of the New Caledonian population, demonstrated in life expectancy, wealth, and language barriers. There are charities to whom you can donate if you would like to help.

It is best to avoid discussions about British and French colonisation of New Caledonia, as most Kanaks want formal independence from France. Many regard the three independence referendums as being illegitimate.

See also

• Indigenous Australian culture
• Maori culture