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This past October on Lifou island, a double-hulled canoe was set afloat in the lagoon – a seemingly minor event that marked a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the maiden journey of a traditional canoe on Lifou in generations, an event that united the island’s main family lineages in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was the driving force behind the launch. For the past eight years, he has led a program that works to resurrect heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Numerous traditional boats have been constructed in an effort designed to reconnect Indigenous Kanak people with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure says the boats also promote the “start of conversation” around ocean rights and ecological regulations.

International Advocacy

In July, he travelled to France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for ocean governance shaped with and by native populations that honor their connection to the ocean.

“Forefathers always crossed the sea. We abandoned that practice for a while,” Tikoure explains. “Now we’re finding it again.”

Heritage boats hold deep cultural importance in New Caledonia. They once stood for movement, exchange and family cooperations across islands, but those traditions faded under colonisation and missionary influences.

Tradition Revival

His journey began in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was looking at how to reintroduce heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure partnered with the authorities and two years later the canoe construction project – known as Kenu Waan project – was established.

“The most difficult aspect didn’t involve harvesting timber, it was persuading communities,” he explains.

Project Achievements

The initiative worked to bring back ancestral sailing methods, mentor apprentice constructors and use boat-building to strengthen cultural identity and regional collaboration.

So far, the group has organized a showcase, published a book and facilitated the creation or repair of around 30 canoes – from the far south to Ponerihouen.

Natural Resources

In contrast to many other oceanic nations where tree loss has limited lumber availability, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for crafting substantial vessels.

“In other places, they often work with synthetic materials. Here, we can still carve solid logs,” he explains. “It makes a significant advantage.”

The boats constructed under the program combine Polynesian hull design with regional navigation methods.

Educational Expansion

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been teaching seafaring and ancestral craft methods at the local university.

“It’s the first time this knowledge are included at advanced education. This isn’t academic – it’s something I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve navigated major waters on these vessels. I’ve experienced profound emotion while accomplishing this.”

Pacific Partnerships

He voyaged with the members of the Fijian vessel, the heritage craft that journeyed to Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, through various islands, this represents a unified effort,” he states. “We’re taking back the ocean collectively.”

Governance Efforts

During the summer, Tikoure visited the French city to present a “Indigenous perspective of the ocean” when he conferred with Macron and additional officials.

Before state and overseas representatives, he argued for shared maritime governance based on local practices and community involvement.

“You have to involve these communities – especially people dependent on marine resources.”

Contemporary Evolution

Now, when mariners from throughout the region – from the Fijian islands, the Micronesian region and New Zealand – come to Lifou, they study canoes collectively, refine the construction and eventually voyage together.

“It’s not about duplicating the traditional forms, we make them evolve.”

Comprehensive Vision

In his view, educating sailors and promoting conservation measures are linked.

“The fundamental issue involves public engagement: what permissions exist to navigate marine territories, and what authority governs what occurs there? Heritage boats is a way to begin that dialogue.”