15 Jun 2023

Fulbright scholar first Kanak to graduate Harvard Law School

From , 6:01 am on 15 June 2023
Joseph Xulue is the first person of Kanak heritage to graduate from Harvard Law School

Joseph Xulue is the first person of Kanak heritage to graduate from Harvard Law School Photo: Joseph Xulue

Last week was a memorable and joyous occasion for Fulbright scholar, Joseph Xulue who became the first Kanak to graduate from Harvard when he received his law diploma.

The young lawyer proudly hails from Siloam, New Caledonia as well as the villages of Lufilufi and Fagamalo in Samoa. 

He's no stranger to Pacific Waves, it was almost a year ago when he spoke with RNZ Pacific on his Fulbright award that enabled him to study at Harvard Law School which is ranked the fourth top law school in the world. 

Joseph says he hopes his success will inspire other young Kanaks to empower their communities and demarginalize the native Kanak people in New Caledonia.

Speaking to RNZ Pacific's Finau Fonua, Joseph shared what it means to be a Harvard graduate and his views on the issue of self-determination in New Caledonia.