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In October on Lifou, a double-hulled canoe was pushed into the lagoon – a seemingly minor event that represented a highly meaningful moment.

It was the first launch of a traditional canoe on Lifou in many decades, an gathering that brought together the island’s three chiefly clans in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was the driving force behind the launch. For the last eight years, he has overseen a initiative that aims to revive ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been built in an effort aimed at reconnecting local Kanak populations with their seafaring legacy. Tikoure says the boats also facilitate the “opening of discussions” around sea access rights and ecological regulations.

Diplomatic Efforts

In July, he visited France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for marine policies created in consultation with and by local tribes 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.”

Heritage boats hold deep cultural importance in New Caledonia. They once symbolised movement, trade and clan alliances across islands, but those practices declined under colonisation and missionary influences.

Cultural Reclamation

The initiative started in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was looking at how to reintroduce traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure collaborated with the government and following a two-year period the canoe construction project – known as Project Kenu Waan – was born.

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

Initiative Accomplishments

The initiative sought to revive ancestral sailing methods, educate new craftspeople and use boat-building to reinforce community pride and island partnerships.

To date, the team has organized a showcase, published a book and supported the construction or restoration of approximately thirty vessels – from the far south to the northeastern coast.

Material Advantages

In contrast to many other oceanic nations where tree loss has reduced lumber availability, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for crafting substantial vessels.

“There, they often work with marine plywood. Locally, we can still carve solid logs,” he states. “That represents a crucial distinction.”

The boats built under the Kenu Waan Project combine traditional boat forms with local sailing systems.

Teaching Development

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

“For the first time ever these topics are offered at advanced education. It goes beyond textbooks – this is knowledge I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve crossed oceans on these canoes. I’ve cried tears of joy doing it.”

Island Cooperation

He traveled with the team of the Fijian vessel, the Fijian canoe that journeyed to Tonga for the oceanic conference in 2024.

“Throughout the region, through various islands, it’s the same movement,” he explains. “We’re reclaiming the sea collectively.”

Governance Efforts

This past July, Tikoure visited the European location to share a “Kanak vision of the sea” when he conferred 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.

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

Modern Adaptation

Now, when sailors from various island nations – from Fiji, Micronesia and New Zealand – come to Lifou, they examine vessels collectively, modify the design and finally voyage together.

“It’s not about duplicating the ancient designs, we help them develop.”

Comprehensive Vision

In his view, instructing mariners and advocating environmental policy are interrelated.

“The fundamental issue involves how we involve people: who is entitled to travel ocean waters, and who determines which activities take place in these waters? Heritage boats is a way to start that conversation.”