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This past October on the island of Lifou, a double-hulled canoe was launched into the lagoon – a seemingly minor event that marked a highly meaningful moment.

It was the maiden journey of a traditional canoe on Lifou in many decades, an occasion that united the island’s primary tribal groups in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was the driving force behind the launch. For the previous eight-year period, he has led a initiative that aims to revive traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been constructed in an project aimed at reconnecting native Kanak communities with their maritime heritage. Tikoure explains the boats also promote the “start of conversation” around maritime entitlements and environmental policies.

Diplomatic Efforts

This past July, he journeyed to France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for maritime regulations created in consultation with and by Indigenous communities that acknowledge their relationship with the sea.

“Forefathers always traveled by water. We abandoned that practice for a while,” Tikoure states. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Canoes hold profound traditional importance in New Caledonia. They once represented movement, trade and family cooperations across islands, but those traditions declined under colonial rule and religious conversion efforts.

Cultural Reclamation

The initiative commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was considering how to bring back traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure worked with the authorities and two years later the vessel restoration program – known as Kenu Waan project – was established.

“The hardest part was not wood collection, it was gaining local support,” he explains.

Project Achievements

The Kenu Waan project sought to revive heritage voyaging practices, mentor apprentice constructors and use vessel construction to strengthen community pride and inter-island cooperation.

Up to now, the group has created a display, released a publication and facilitated the building or renovation of nearly three dozen boats – from the far south to the northeastern coast.

Material Advantages

Unlike many other oceanic nations where tree loss has reduced timber supplies, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for constructing major boats.

“There, they often use modern composites. Here, we can still craft from natural timber,” he states. “That represents a significant advantage.”

The boats constructed under the program integrate Polynesian hull design with local sailing systems.

Educational Expansion

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been instructing seafaring and ancestral craft methods at the University of New Caledonia.

“It’s the first time these subjects are taught at graduate studies. It goes beyond textbooks – it’s something I’ve experienced. I’ve sailed vast distances on these canoes. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness while accomplishing this.”

Pacific Partnerships

Tikoure sailed with the crew of the Fijian vessel, the Pacific vessel that traveled to Tonga for the oceanic conference in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, including our location, it’s the same movement,” he states. “We’re taking back the ocean collectively.”

Governance Efforts

This past July, Tikoure visited the French city to introduce a “Indigenous perspective of the ocean” when he had discussions with Macron and additional officials.

In front of government and international delegates, he pushed for shared maritime governance based on Kanak custom and community involvement.

“You have to involve them – particularly fishing communities.”

Current Development

Currently, when navigators from various island nations – from the Fijian islands, the Micronesian region and New Zealand – arrive in Lifou, they study canoes together, refine the construction and eventually sail side by side.

“We don’t just copy the ancient designs, we enable their progression.”

Comprehensive Vision

In his view, teaching navigation and promoting conservation measures are connected.

“The core concept concerns how we involve people: what permissions exist to travel ocean waters, and who decides what occurs in these waters? Heritage boats is a way to initiate that discussion.”