Kanaky (New Caledonia) was colonised by France from 1853, despite Indigenous Melanesians having lived there for thousands of years. France exploited nickel reserves for monetary gain, denied Indigenous people independence or access to the wealth procured from the nickel mines, and confined them to reservations. Indigenous populations dropped to under half their original number upon French colonisation, partly due to the introduction of European diseases such as small pox and measles. Kanak resistance groups became increasingly active during the 1970s-80s, and a recent upsurge in riots in response to electoral reform is finally bringing attention to the situation. It continues to be considered a French overseas territory. Video via @ oodhamboiii on tiktok. . . . . . #kanaky #kanak #newcaledonia #indigenousrights #independence #frenchcolony #colonialhistory #melanesia #worldhistory #decolonizehistory