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This past October on Lifou, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was launched into the lagoon – a seemingly minor event that signified a highly meaningful moment.

It was the first launch of a traditional canoe on Lifou in generations, an occasion that united the island’s main family lineages in a rare show of unity.

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

Dozens of canoes have been constructed in an project designed to reconnect Indigenous Kanak people with their maritime heritage. Tikoure states the boats also facilitate the “start of conversation” around maritime entitlements and ecological regulations.

Diplomatic Efforts

This past July, he travelled to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for marine policies shaped with and by Indigenous communities that recognise their maritime heritage.

“Our ancestors always crossed the sea. We lost that for a time,” Tikoure states. “Now we’re finding it again.”

Heritage boats hold profound traditional significance in New Caledonia. They once stood for movement, interaction and clan alliances across islands, but those customs faded under foreign occupation and religious conversion efforts.

Cultural Reclamation

His journey commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was exploring how to bring back traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure worked with the authorities and two years later the canoe construction project – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was launched.

“The biggest challenge wasn’t cutting down trees, it was gaining local support,” he notes.

Project Achievements

The program worked to bring back heritage voyaging practices, mentor apprentice constructors and use canoe-making to strengthen community pride and regional collaboration.

So far, the team has created a display, issued a volume and facilitated the building or renovation of nearly three dozen boats – from the southern region to the northern shoreline.

Material Advantages

In contrast to many other Pacific islands where tree loss has limited wood resources, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for crafting substantial vessels.

“There, they often work with synthetic materials. Here, we can still craft from natural timber,” he explains. “It makes all the difference.”

The canoes built under the Kenu Waan Project merge oceanic vessel shapes with local sailing systems.

Teaching Development

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been teaching seafaring and heritage building techniques at the University of New Caledonia.

“This marks the initial occasion this knowledge are taught at master’s level. It goes beyond textbooks – it’s something I’ve lived. I’ve crossed oceans on these canoes. I’ve cried tears of joy during these journeys.”

Regional Collaboration

He voyaged with the team of the Uto ni Yalo, the Pacific vessel that journeyed to Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, including our location, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he explains. “We’re taking back the maritime heritage collectively.”

Policy Advocacy

During the summer, Tikoure visited the French city to present a “Kanak vision of the ocean” when he met with Macron and other leaders.

In front of government and international delegates, he argued for cooperative sea policies based on Indigenous traditions and community involvement.

“We must engage local populations – especially people dependent on marine resources.”

Current Development

Today, when sailors from various island nations – from the Fijian islands, the Micronesian region and New Zealand – come to Lifou, they examine vessels collectively, adjust the structure and finally sail side by side.

“We’re not simply replicating the ancient designs, we help them develop.”

Holistic Approach

For Tikoure, educating sailors and advocating environmental policy are interrelated.

“It’s all about public engagement: who has the right to navigate marine territories, and who decides which activities take place there? The canoe is a way to initiate that discussion.”