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This past October on the island of Lifou, a double-hulled canoe was launched into the lagoon – a simple gesture that represented a highly meaningful moment.

It was the inaugural voyage of a traditional canoe on Lifou in many decades, an event that brought together the island’s primary tribal groups in a rare show of unity.

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the previous eight-year period, he has spearheaded a initiative that works to resurrect ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been constructed in an project designed to reconnect Indigenous Kanak people with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure explains the boats also facilitate the “opening of discussions” around ocean rights and environmental policies.

Diplomatic Efforts

In July, he visited France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for marine policies created in consultation with and by local tribes that honor their relationship with the sea.

“Previous generations always crossed the sea. We forgot that knowledge for a while,” Tikoure states. “Today we’re reclaiming it again.”

Canoes hold significant historical meaning in New Caledonia. They once symbolised movement, exchange and tribal partnerships across islands, but those traditions diminished under colonial rule and religious conversion efforts.

Cultural Reclamation

The initiative began in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was exploring how to reintroduce traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure collaborated with the government and two years later the boat building initiative – known as Kenu Waan project – was launched.

“The biggest challenge was not wood collection, it was persuading communities,” he notes.

Program Successes

The initiative sought to revive heritage voyaging practices, mentor apprentice constructors and use boat-building to reinforce traditional heritage and island partnerships.

Up to now, the group has produced an exhibition, issued a volume and enabled the construction or restoration of nearly three dozen boats – from the southern region to Ponerihouen.

Resource Benefits

In contrast to many other island territories where tree loss has limited wood resources, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for constructing major boats.

“In other places, they often use marine plywood. Locally, we can still craft from natural timber,” he says. “That represents all the difference.”

The vessels created under the initiative combine Polynesian hull design with local sailing systems.

Academic Integration

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been educating students in seafaring and heritage building techniques at the local university.

“This marks the initial occasion these subjects are included at graduate studies. This isn’t academic – it’s something I’ve lived. I’ve navigated major waters on traditional boats. I’ve experienced profound emotion doing it.”

Island Cooperation

Tikoure sailed with the team of the traditional boat, the heritage craft that sailed to Tonga for the oceanic conference in 2024.

“Throughout the region, through various islands, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he explains. “We’re taking back the ocean as a community.”

Policy Advocacy

This past July, Tikoure travelled to Nice, France to share a “Traditional understanding of the ocean” when he had discussions with Macron and other leaders.

Addressing official and foreign officials, he advocated for collaborative ocean management based on local practices and community involvement.

“It’s essential to include local populations – particularly those who live from fishing.”

Modern Adaptation

Now, when sailors from various island nations – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and Aotearoa – arrive in Lifou, they analyze boats collectively, refine the construction and ultimately sail side by side.

“It’s not about duplicating the old models, we help them develop.”

Comprehensive Vision

In his view, instructing mariners and promoting conservation measures are connected.

“The fundamental issue involves how we involve people: what permissions exist to move across the sea, and what authority governs what happens on it? Heritage boats serve as a method to initiate that discussion.”