Are the Indigenous people of New Caledonia marginalized or equally participating in all sectors in the development of their country or territory?

Answer 1

The Indigenous people of New Caledonia, known as the Kanak people, have historically faced marginalization and discrimination within their own territory. The Kanak people have long been disadvantaged in terms of access to education, employment, and political representation.

However, efforts have been made to address these issues and improve the participation of the Kanak people in all sectors of society. In 1998, the Noumea Accord was signed, which aimed to grant greater autonomy to New Caledonia and give the Kanak people more control over their own affairs. This Accord also established a system of power-sharing between the Kanak and non-Kanak populations.

While progress has been made in terms of Indigenous participation in governance and decision-making processes, challenges still remain. The Kanak people continue to face social and economic disparities compared to the non-Indigenous population.

Overall, the situation of the Indigenous people in New Caledonia can be seen as a work in progress, with ongoing efforts to achieve greater equality and participation in all sectors of society.