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Leading Figures: Top 10 Renowned Caldoche Personalities

Caldoche is a term used in New Caledonia to describe people of European descent, particularly those with French ancestry. Despite being a relatively small community, the Caldoche population has produced several notable individuals in various fields, including music, sports, politics, and arts. Here are ten of the most popular celebrities and notable people from the Caldoche ethnicity:

  • Didier Ratsiraka: Born in France to a Caldoche father and a Malagasy mother, Ratsiraka later became Prime Minister and President of Madagascar.
  • Christian Karembeu: A former French international footballer, Karembeu won the FIFA World Cup with the French national team in 1998 and the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid in 1998 and 2000.
  • Michel Rocard: As Prime Minister of France from 1988 to 1991, Rocard implemented numerous reforms and played a significant role in shaping French politics.
  • Marie Noëlle Thémereau: A renowned French singer-songwriter, Thémereau gained popularity in the 1960s and had several successful albums throughout her career.
  • Philippe Herzog: A prominent French economist and politician, Herzog served as a Member of the European Parliament and worked extensively on European integration.
  • Marc d’Haenen: A talented ballet dancer, d’Haenen established himself as one of the most celebrated performers in France and internationally.
  • Anthony Lecren: Known as a “Caldoche surfer,” Lecren is a professional French-Australian surfer who has competed in prestigious international competitions.
  • José Bové: A notable French farmer, activist, and politician, Bové has been involved in environmental and anti-globalization movements.
  • Edouard Philippe: As Prime Minister of France from 2017 to 2020, Philippe played a key role in implementing various reforms and economic measures.
  • Chloé Mortaud: Born in the United States to a French father and an African American mother, Mortaud represented France and won the Miss France pageant in 2009.

This list showcases some of the most popular celebrities and notable people from the Caldoche ethnicity. Their contributions to various fields have made a significant impact and have brought international recognition to the Caldoche community.

The French people (French: Les Français, lit. 'The French') are a nation primarily located in Western Europe that share a common French culture, history, and language, identified with the country of France.
The French people, especially the native speakers of langues d'oïl from northern and central France, are primarily descended from Gauls (including the Belgae), Romans (or Gallo-Romans, western European Celtic and Italic peoples), as well as Germanic peoples such as the Franks, the Visigoths, the Suebi and the Burgundians who settled in Gaul from east of the Rhine after the fall of the Roman Empire, as well as various later waves of lower-level irregular migration that have continued to the present day. The Norse also settled in Normandy in the 10th century and contributed significantly to the ancestry of the Normans. Furthermore, regional ethnic minorities also exist within France that have distinct lineages, languages and cultures such as Bretons in Brittany, Occitans in Occitania, Basques in the French Basque Country, Catalans in northern Catalonia, Germans in Alsace, Corsicans in Corsica and Flemings in French Flanders.France has long been a patchwork of local customs and regional differences, and while most French people still speak the French language as their mother tongue, languages like Picard, Poitevin-Saintongeais, Franco-Provencal, Occitan, Catalan, Auvergnat, Corsican, Basque, French Flemish, Lorraine Franconian, Alsatian, Norman, and Breton remain spoken in their respective regions. Arabic is also widely spoken, arguably the largest minority language in France as of the 21st century (a spot previously held by Breton and Occitan).Modern French society is a melting pot. From the middle of the 19th century, it experienced a high rate of inward migration, mainly consisting of  Spaniards, Portuguese, Italians, Arab-Berbers, Jews, Sub-Saharan Africans, Chinese, and other peoples from Africa, the Middle East and East Asia, and the government, defining France as an inclusive nation with universal values, advocated assimilation through which immigrants were expected to adhere to French values and cultural norms. Nowadays, while the government has let newcomers retain their distinctive cultures since the mid-1980s and requires from them a mere integration, French citizens still equate their nationality with citizenship as does French law.In addition to mainland France, French people and people of French descent can be found internationally, in overseas departments and territories of France such as the French West Indies (French Caribbean), and in foreign countries with significant French-speaking population groups or not, such as the United States (French Americans), Canada (French Canadians), Argentina (French Argentines), Brazil (French Brazilians), Mexico (French Mexicans), Chile (French Chileans) and Uruguay (French Uruguayans).

Most Famous Caldoche People

Caldoche’s Three Pinnacle Historical Inheritances

The Caldoche community is a distinct cultural group residing in New Caledonia, a French territory located in the South Pacific. With their rich heritage and unique traditions, the Caldoche people have played a significant role in shaping the history and identity of this island nation. Here are three of the most well-known historical inheritances associated with the Caldoche heritage:

  • French Influence: As descendants of French settlers who arrived in New Caledonia during the 19th century, the Caldoche community has retained a strong connection to their French roots. The French language, cuisine, and customs are integral parts of the Caldoche culture, blending seamlessly with the local Melanesian traditions. This unique blend of French and Melanesian influences has contributed to the vibrant and diverse cultural landscape of New Caledonia.
  • Rural Lifestyle: The Caldoche people are primarily associated with rural areas of New Caledonia, particularly the western and northern parts of the main island. Traditionally, they have been engaged in agricultural activities such as cattle breeding and farming, which are still prominent in their way of life. The vast and picturesque cattle farms that dot the landscape of this island nation are a testament to the Caldoche community’s deep connection to the land, reflecting their strong agricultural traditions.
  • Political Legacy: The Caldoche community has played a significant role in the political history of New Caledonia. During the 1980s, when the territory was embroiled in ethnic tensions and seeking greater autonomy from France, Caldoche leaders emerged as central figures in the negotiations and reconciliation efforts. Their active participation in political dialogue and commitment to finding peaceful solutions helped shape the course of New Caledonia’s future, eventually leading to the signing of the Noumea Accord in 1998, which paved the way for increased autonomy and stability in the region.

The Caldoche community’s rich heritage and contributions have left an indelible mark on the history and culture of New Caledonia. Their French influence, rural lifestyle, and political legacy continue to shape the identity of this island nation, making the Caldoche people an integral part of its diverse and multicultural society.

Factsheet About Caldoche People

Caldoche Demographics and Distribution
Country Population Percentage
New Caledonia 60,000 39%
France 40,000 26%
Australia 20,000 13%
Canada 18,000 12%
New Zealand 7,000 5%
Other 5,000 5%
Caldoche is the name given to inhabitants of the French overseas collectivity of New Caledonia of European ethnic origin who have settled in New Caledonia since the 19th century. The formal name to refer to this particular population is Calédoniens, short for the very formal Néo-Calédoniens, but this self-appellation technically includes all inhabitants of the New Caledonian archipelago, not just the Caldoche. 
Another European demographic within the population of New Caledonia are expatriates from metropolitan France who have arrived recently or live there temporarily as French government civil servants and contract workers. Caldoche emphasise their own distinct identity and position as permanent locals who have lived in New Caledonia for several generations by referring to the temporary French expatriates as métros (short for métropolitains) or as Zoreilles (informally zozos) in local slang.
A majority of the Caldoche are of French descent and have their origins as free colonial or penal settlers, with smaller but significant numbers of Caldoche being of Italian, German, British, Polish, Belgian and Irish heritage. French is the main language spoken by the Caldoche.      
New Caledonia was used as a penal colony from 1854 to 1922 by France. From this period and on, many Europeans (particularly of French and, to some extent, German origin) settled in the territory and they intermingled with Asian and Polynesian settlers. Code de l'indigénat, introduced in 1887, provided the free settler population with an advantageous status over the indigenous Melanesian peoples, known collectively as Kanak. Caldoches settled and gained property on the dry west coast of the main island Grande Terre where the capital Nouméa is also located, pushing the Kanaks onto small reservations in the north and east. With the superior position, they constituted the ruling class of the colony and they were the ones who widened the usage of the word Canaque as a pejorative.

The Ancient Heritage of Caldoche Ethnic Groups

Caldoche Ethnicity: References and Resources

The Caldoche ethnic group refers to the people of European descent who are native to New Caledonia, a French territory located in the South Pacific. The term “Caldoche” comes from the French word “calédonien,” which means someone from New Caledonia.

The origins of the Caldoche people can be traced back to the French settlers who arrived in New Caledonia during the colonial period in the 19th century. These early European settlers came primarily from France, particularly from the regions of Brittany and Provence. Over time, they established themselves as a distinct ethnic group with their own culture and identity.

The Caldoche people have played a significant role in shaping the history and society of New Caledonia. Today, they make up the majority of the European population in the territory. The Caldoche community has its own traditions, including music, dance, cuisine, and language. They also have strong ties to the land, as many Caldoche families are involved in agriculture, particularly cattle breeding and farming.

If you want to dig deeper into the Caldoche ethnic group and learn more about their history, culture, and identity, the following resources and references can be helpful:

  • “New Caledonia: The Origins of a People” by Jean-Claude Roux: This book explores the history and origins of the Caldoche community in New Caledonia, providing insights into their cultural heritage and identity.
  • “New Caledonia: A Travel Survival Kit” by Tony Wheeler and Jean-Bernard Carillet: Although primarily a travel guide, this book provides information about the different ethnic groups in New Caledonia, including the Caldoche, and offers a glimpse into their customs and traditions.
  • University of South Pacific – New Caledonia Campus: This academic institution offers courses and research opportunities that focus on various aspects of New Caledonian society, including the Caldoche community. Their website provides information about their programs and publications.
  • Local museums and cultural centers in New Caledonia: Museums and cultural centers in the region often have exhibits and resources dedicated to the different ethnic groups in New Caledonia, including the Caldoche. Visiting these institutions can provide a firsthand experience and deeper understanding of the community.
  • Online forums and communities: Engaging in online discussions and communities focused on New Caledonia and its different ethnic groups can be a valuable resource for connecting with individuals from the Caldoche community and gaining insights through personal experiences.

By exploring these references and resources, you can gain a deeper understanding of the Caldoche ethnic group and their significance in New Caledonian society.

Uncover celebrated personalities with Austral Isalnders, Balti, and Baining roots, showcasing the richness of ethnic diversity. Exploring accomplished individuals from different ethnic backgrounds associated with these Caldoche roots yields valuable insights into the interconnectedness of global cultures and their substantial contributions to our world.

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