The descendants of the settlers
The European community, descended from white settlers and former convicts, has been established in New Caledonia for nearly 150 years, and its members are colloquially referred to as Caldoches. If it is not appreciated by some, the term is on the contrary claimed by others. So use it with discretion. We prefer the term Caledonians, more vague, but politically more correct!
The settlers came from metropolitan France, but also from Australia and Germany, and from other colonies of the French Empire. Natives of Reunion Island started growing sugar cane and built sugar factories, the ruins of which can still be seen in Dumbéa, Boulouparis and Bourail (west coast). Descendants of Kabyles, deported after the great revolt of 1871, also settled in the Bourail region: so don't be surprised to cross the Arab pass or to pass by the Arab cemetery and the Bourail mosque.
Caldoches often work in administration, mining, import-export and agriculture. Generally settled in the communes of the west coast as landowners (La Foa, Bourail, Koné and Koumac), they are also concentrated in Nouméa. In recent years, farmers have been diversifying their production and launching new sectors: experimental farms for the breeding of clams, shrimps, oysters and mangroves. At the same time, aware of the potential of the tourist industry, they are at the origin of a growing number of structures intended to welcome you: campings, lodgings, ranches (superb equestrian excursions, 4x4 or quad outings, pedestrian walks). They will be delighted to show you their cattle and deer farms. They get up very early, go to bed late, and often combine their activities, as breeding does not always bring in enough money. Very attached to the family, they are sometimes breeders from generation to generation. The children are expected at weekends and during school vacations to take the herds to the stockyard, wash them, sort them, etc. Faced with the constraints of working the land, some young people leave the bush and opt for life in Nouméa. The financial aid provided by the various organizations favors industry, commerce and tourism. The distribution channels for fruit and vegetables between the North, the South and the islands are not adapted. Deeply attached to the land, like the Kanaks, the Caldoches are proud of the work undertaken by their parents' parents, and perpetuate it themselves. They are pioneers. Do not hesitate to ask them to explain the functioning of their farms and to show you the livestock.
The Kanaks
They are an indigenous Melanesian people. The Kanaks arrived in New Caledonia - or Kanaky for the independents - about 3,200 or 3,000 years ago, in the expansion movement, on large sailing pirogues from the eastern islands of New Guinea.
The Kanak nation, which does not include all Melanesians, also has a flag whose colors are: green as the image of lush nature, red as the blood of this proud and fiery people, blue as the horizon where sky and sea are united. In the center of the flag, a sun, pierced by the ridge arrow that represents the history and soul of the island. This flag is now official alongside that of the French Republic since a decision of Congress in 2010.
In 2019, 111,860 people declared themselves to belong to the Kanak community, compared with 104,960 in 2014. For the first time since the signing of the Matignon Accords in 1988, the Kanak share of the population is increasing.
Polynesians and Asians
Wallisians and Futunians have also settled in New Caledonia. These arrivals, which initially corresponded to a logic of economic immigration, were gradually transformed into a durable settlement with family reunification. Wallisians and Futunians are now more numerous in New Caledonia than in their native archipelago, and constitute the third largest ethnic group on the island. In this respect, tensions exist between Wallisians and Kanaks, the latter reproaching the former for not having rallied to the cause of independence and for being in favor of keeping the territory in the French fold. The electoral support of the Polynesians would indeed be decisive for the Melanesians. The Wallisians fear being expelled from the Territory, as some were from the New Hebrides (Vanuatu) in 1980, and do not believe in the viability of independence projects. They therefore generally support the loyalist parties in elections.
Tahitians, often employed in tourism, industry and mining, have also been a welcome source of labor. They keep their traditions alive on the occasion of festivals, with the tamouré dancers...
The Asians (Vietnamese and Indonesians), who initially entered New Caledonia to work in the mines and agriculture, also form one of the pieces of the archipelago's ethnic puzzle. Dynamic and enterprising, they are most often at the head of businesses, restaurants and grocery stores. Very attached to their traditions, they have preserved their habits and customs.
Language areas
As far as language is concerned, you will have no problem talking with Caledonians. But don't be surprised if you are offered a fishing trip or a party trip, these typical expressions are easy to understand and to use! French is the official language and is easily mixed with Kanak languages, of which there are many.
There are 28 Kanak languages. Some are endangered and have almost no speakers left. There is a Creole language spoken in the commune of Mont-Dore, Tayo. New Caledonia is divided into eight customary areas where eight Kanak languages are commonly spoken. The Academy of Kanak Languages (www.alk.gouv.nc) is responsible for establishing the rules of use and promoting the development of all Kanak languages and dialects. Kanak languages have entered the school system as an option.
