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. He also wants to push the French state to launch a referendum on the independence of New Caledonia.

After a dramatic episode (the hostage-taking in Ouvéa), the signing of the Matignon Accords on June 26, 1988 provided for a self-determination referendum within the next ten years and an easing of relations between New Caledonia and France. But some separatists do not accept this signature which they interpret as a renunciation. During the end of mourning for the victims of Ouvéa, Jean-Marie Tjibaou and his general secretary Yeiwéné ​​​​​​​​​​Yeiwéné ​​​​​​​​​​were assassinated.