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This past October on Lifou island, a double-hulled canoe was launched into the turquoise waters – a seemingly minor event that signified a profoundly important moment.

It was the first launch of a heritage boat on Lifou in generations, an gathering that brought together the island’s main family lineages in a uncommon display of togetherness.

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the previous eight-year period, he has led a program that seeks to restore heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been constructed in an effort intended to reunite native Kanak communities with their maritime heritage. Tikoure states the boats also facilitate the “opening of discussions” around ocean rights and conservation measures.

Diplomatic Efforts

During the summer month of July, he travelled to France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for maritime regulations created in consultation with and by native populations that acknowledge their connection to the ocean.

“Previous generations always navigated the ocean. We lost that for a while,” Tikoure explains. “Today we’re reclaiming it again.”

Canoes hold profound traditional meaning in New Caledonia. They once stood for movement, trade and clan alliances across islands, but those practices faded under colonisation and religious conversion efforts.

Heritage Restoration

His journey began in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was looking at how to restore heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure collaborated with the authorities and following a two-year period the canoe construction project – known as Project Kenu Waan – was established.

“The hardest part wasn’t cutting down trees, it was convincing people,” he notes.

Project Achievements

The program worked to bring back traditional navigation techniques, mentor apprentice constructors and use vessel construction to enhance 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 Goro to the northeastern coast.

Material Advantages

In contrast to many other island territories where tree loss has limited timber supplies, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for crafting substantial vessels.

“In other places, they often employ modern composites. In our location, we can still craft from natural timber,” he says. “This creates a crucial distinction.”

The canoes constructed under the program integrate traditional boat forms with regional navigation methods.

Educational Expansion

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been teaching navigation and traditional construction history at the local university.

“For the first time ever these topics are taught at graduate studies. This isn’t academic – this is knowledge I’ve experienced. I’ve crossed oceans on these vessels. I’ve cried tears of joy while accomplishing this.”

Island Cooperation

Tikoure sailed with the members of the traditional boat, the Pacific vessel that journeyed to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, through various islands, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he explains. “We’re restoring the sea as a community.”

Policy Advocacy

During the summer, Tikoure journeyed to the European location to introduce a “Kanak vision of the ocean” when he conferred with Macron and government representatives.

In front of government and international delegates, he advocated for cooperative sea policies based on Indigenous traditions and local engagement.

“We must engage them – most importantly people dependent on marine resources.”

Contemporary Evolution

Today, when mariners from across the Pacific – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and New Zealand – come to Lifou, they study canoes together, refine the construction and eventually sail side by side.

“It’s not about duplicating the traditional forms, we help them develop.”

Comprehensive Vision

According to Tikoure, teaching navigation and promoting conservation measures are interrelated.

“It’s all about how we involve people: who is entitled to travel ocean waters, and who determines which activities take place on it? The canoe is a way to start that conversation.”