Pouvana'a a Oopa, Marcel (1895-1977)

Tahitian political leader, campaigner for independence. He was elected to the French National Assembly in 1949, representing French Oceania for the Democratic Rally for the Tahitian People (RDPT), which he had formed shortly before. He continued to press for independence and, in 1958, was exiled and imprisoned after being charged with attempting, with supporters, to burn down the capital city, Pape'ete. Pouvana'a was pardoned in 1968 and allowed to return to Tahiti and was elected to the French Senate in 1971.

Born on Huahine island, he served with French forces during World War I. He returned to Tahiti to lead the nationalist struggle and, as a consequence, was exiled by the French to Huahine.