One of the main agendas that the Indigenous people of New Caledonia have been advocating for in recent years is greater autonomy and self-governance. The Kanak people, who make up the majority of the Indigenous population, have long fought for recognition of their traditional rights to land and resources. The Matignon Agreements in 1988 and the Noumea Accord in 1998 were important milestones in this struggle, granting increased autonomy and the eventual possibility of independence from France.
In 2018, New Caledonia held a referendum on independence, in accordance with the Noumea Accord, where the majority of voters chose to remain part of France. However, this has not stopped Indigenous activists from continuing to push for greater autonomy and recognition of their rights.
Another crucial issue for the Indigenous people of New Caledonia is environmental protection. The Kanak people have a strong connection to the land and natural resources, and have been advocating for sustainable development policies that respect their traditional way of life and protect the environment. This includes opposing the expansion of mining activities, which have caused environmental degradation and displacement of Indigenous communities.
Overall, the Indigenous people of New Caledonia continue to fight for their rights to self-determination, land ownership, and environmental protection. Their struggle is not only about preserving their culture and traditional way of life, but also about ensuring a sustainable and equitable future for all residents of the island.
Discuss any recent agendas/ causes that the Indigenous people of New Caledonia have put forward to their government concerning their well being and rights as traditional land owners.
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