The Flag of New Caledonia
The flag of New Caledonia, a French territory in the South Pacific, is unique in that it officially recognizes two flags. The first is the French Tricolor, symbolizing New Caledonia's status as a French overseas territory. The second, adopted on July 17, 2010, is the flag of the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS), representing the indigenous Kanak people and their aspirations. This flag features three colors: blue, red, and green. The blue symbolizes both the sky and the ocean that surrounds New Caledonia, the red represents the bloodshed in the struggle for independence, and the green stands for the land. The flag also contains a yellow disk with a flèche faînière, a traditional Kanak symbol.
History of The Flag of New Caledonia
The history of the New Caledonian flag is deeply entwined with its colonial past and the push for recognition of the indigenous Kanak people. Before 2010, the only official flag was the French Tricolor, representing New Caledonia's status as a French overseas territory since it was claimed by France in 1853. The adoption of the Kanak flag as a second official flag in 2010 was a significant step towards acknowledging the unique identity and rights of the Kanak people, following years of conflict and negotiations for greater autonomy within the French Republic. The dual-flag policy symbolizes an attempt to blend the French and Kanak identities and is part of broader discussions about New Caledonia's future political status.