On Sunday, May 19, in the afternoon, around fifty New Caledonians or their relatives gathered at an association called La Case calédonienne, located in Montpellier (Hérault). They met at a house in the northern neighborhoods of the city, not far from the universities. The purpose was to share a moment of reflection, listening, and mutual support while their families back in the archipelago were facing chaos due to the riots that started on Monday, May 13. The attendees, which included Kanaks, Caldoches, Wallisians, Reunionese, and French mainlanders, enjoyed the warm weather by spreading mats on the grass, sitting down, chatting, and catching up with each other. Some played the guitar, sang songs, while children played sports and women cooked in the kitchen or grilled outside.
The house where they gathered is the only structure of its kind in mainland France belonging to the government of New Caledonia. Lydia Galuola, a Kanak woman and president of the association managing the place, emphasized that everyone, regardless of their background, had a sense of belonging there. The community comprises around 400 people, including students and other individuals from New Caledonia who are currently residing in Montpellier. The building has a historical significance as it was initially established as a meeting place for young New Caledonians after completing their military service, but later transformed into a center for student support. The journey of the association managing the house reflects the evolution of New Caledonian society in France, transitioning from a focus on Kanak identity to a more inclusive approach.
Some members of the community, like Fafa, who has never been to New Caledonia but lived with a Kanak from Ouvéa in France for over twenty years, are well-versed in the history of the place. The establishment was previously managed by the AEC (Association des étudiants de Calédonie), predominantly led by Caldoches, before transforming into the AETK (Association des étudiants du territoire calédonien) with a stronger focus on Kanak representation. In recent years, the association has become more neutral as the AETC, reflecting a diverse and inclusive approach to representing New Caledonia in France. Despite the distant history for current New Caledonian students in Montpellier, the president of the association, Lydia Galuola, is committed to preserving this piece of New Caledonian culture and heritage.
Despite the neglect from both previous caretakers and the government of New Caledonia, Lydia Galuola, who was elected president of the association in 2021, is determined to restore the building and revitalize the New Caledonian community in Montpellier. Her efforts are focused on repairing and maintaining the house and bringing together the approximately 400-strong New Caledonian community in the city, half of which are students. The association aims to provide a support network, social connections, and cultural enrichment for its members, ensuring that the unique identity and history of New Caledonia are preserved and celebrated in a welcoming and inclusive environment. The association’s work reflects a commitment to unity, solidarity, and mutual support among New Caledonians living in France.
