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In October on the island of Lifou, a double-hulled canoe was set afloat in the coastal lagoon – a small act that represented a profoundly important moment.

It was the inaugural voyage of a heritage boat on Lifou in many decades, an event that assembled the island’s three chiefly clans in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the last eight years, he has led a initiative that aims to revive traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been constructed in an project intended to reunite native Kanak communities with their seafaring legacy. Tikoure explains the boats also facilitate the “opening of discussions” around ocean rights and ecological regulations.

International Advocacy

This past July, he journeyed to France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for marine policies developed alongside and by Indigenous communities that honor their relationship with the sea.

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

Traditional vessels hold deep cultural significance in New Caledonia. They once stood for movement, interaction and family cooperations across islands, but those customs diminished under foreign occupation and outside cultural pressures.

Cultural Reclamation

This mission commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was considering how to restore heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure collaborated with the administration and after two years the canoe construction project – known as Kenu Waan project – was born.

“The biggest challenge didn’t involve harvesting timber, it was gaining local support,” he says.

Project Achievements

The Kenu Waan project aimed to restore traditional navigation techniques, mentor apprentice constructors and use canoe-making to reinforce cultural identity and island partnerships.

To date, the group has produced an exhibition, published a book and supported the creation or repair of approximately thirty vessels – from the far south to Ponerihouen.

Natural Resources

Unlike many other island territories where tree loss has reduced timber supplies, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for constructing major boats.

“There, they often use modern composites. In our location, we can still carve solid logs,” he explains. “This creates a significant advantage.”

The canoes built under the program combine Polynesian hull design with regional navigation methods.

Teaching Development

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been educating students in maritime travel and heritage building techniques at the University of New Caledonia.

“It’s the first time these topics are included at graduate studies. It’s not theory – it’s something I’ve experienced. I’ve crossed oceans on these canoes. I’ve experienced profound emotion while accomplishing this.”

Island Cooperation

Tikoure sailed with the members of the Uto ni Yalo, the Pacific vessel that sailed to Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2024.

“Across the Pacific, including our location, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he states. “We’re taking back the ocean collectively.”

Policy Advocacy

During the summer, Tikoure travelled to the French city to introduce a “Indigenous perspective of the sea” when he conferred with Macron and additional officials.

Addressing official and overseas representatives, he argued for cooperative sea policies based on Kanak custom and community involvement.

“You have to involve these communities – particularly those who live from fishing.”

Contemporary Evolution

Now, when navigators from across the Pacific – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and New Zealand – arrive in Lifou, they analyze boats collectively, adjust the structure and finally navigate in unison.

“We don’t just copy the traditional forms, we make them evolve.”

Integrated Mission

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

“The fundamental issue involves how we involve people: who is entitled to navigate marine territories, and who decides which activities take place on it? Heritage boats is a way to begin that dialogue.”