[1] His is one of three Kanak chieftaincies on the island of Lifou, the others being Gaïtcha and Wetr,[2] and was established by the Boula dynasty prior to the arrival of French colonists.
[1] Among the tribes over which he rules, his word is law, and his power is absolute.
Evanès is the son of the previous high chief, Henri Boula, and Laurentine Naisseline, sister of the high chief of Maré.
The ceremony was attended by some 5,000 people, including representatives of all the tribes, Lifou chiefs Pierre Zeula of Gaica and Paul Sihaze of Wetr, the President of the Loyalty Islands Province, and a delegation from Wallis and Futuna representing the King of 'Uvea.
[1] Evanes is married to Chiristiane Automalo, who is Wallisian in origin.