Jean-Marie Tjibaou (1936-1989) is one of the great political leaders defending Kanak identity. Non-violent, Tjibaou sees in the influence of culture an essential tool for the affirmation of Kanak identity.

In 1975, he organized the Mélanésie 2000 festival which welcomed 50,000 spectators and marked the Kanak cultural renaissance. This success launched Tjibaou towards a political career; with the Caledonian Union, he claimed the independence of his country. President of the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS) between 1984 and 1989, he faced this period by presenting a draft constitution “Kanaky” to the UN.