BRETEA - 20 years

On May 1-2 the enterprise of Narcisse celebrated its 20th anniversary. BRETEA, which in the language Drubéa means “hold up your head, look up to the Sun,” came into existence not long after the famous “événements” and the Accords de Matignon. Since then it has played an important role in reinforcing the Kanak heritage. Narcisse, as well as many inhabitants of the village of St. Louis, construct traditional cases. They are the builders of cases exposed at many museums and cultural centers.

By organizing the weekend Narcisse wanted to give the youth an opportunity to play sports, learn local crafts, and perform on stage – all planned keeping in mind that these were to be (and were!) two days without alcohol (the alcohol abuse being a huge problem in Caledonia). The main goal of the event was to introduce the young St. Louis to the concept of entrepreneurship and to encourage them to become active citizens. The inscription (in tayo!) above the podium read: “Toi! Péti de San-Louis, si ta capabl, ta débout! (“You! The young of St. Louis, if you are able [to act], stand up!”)

The celebrations begun and ended with la coutume, a gift-exchange and a symbolic speech which are traditionally performed upon entering another tribe’s territory and, in return, as a welcome and greeting. I will talk more about la coutume in a future post. Then there was a fashion show, football and volleyball games, crafts workshop for the youngest, and local groups performances in the evenings. Me too, I had the privilege to perform on stage. Together with Narcisse (photo) and three other musicians, we improvised our “local” version of “Hotel California” (The Eagles). Wearing a traditional dress and a hat borrowed from one of the “crafts ladies,” I was particularly happy to be introduced to the inhabitants of St. Louis this way.