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In October on the island of Lifou, a double-hulled canoe was launched into the coastal lagoon – a small act that signified a highly meaningful moment.

It was the maiden journey of a heritage boat on Lifou in generations, an event that united the island’s primary tribal groups in a rare show of unity.

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the last eight years, he has spearheaded a initiative that seeks to restore heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been constructed in an effort designed to reconnect local Kanak populations with their maritime heritage. Tikoure states the boats also facilitate the “beginning of dialogue” around ocean rights and ecological regulations.

Global Outreach

This past July, he visited France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for ocean governance shaped with and by native populations that recognise their connection to the ocean.

“Forefathers always traveled by water. We abandoned that practice for a period,” Tikoure states. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Canoes hold significant historical meaning in New Caledonia. They once stood for travel, interaction and tribal partnerships across islands, but those traditions diminished under colonisation and outside cultural pressures.

Heritage Restoration

The initiative began in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was considering how to bring back traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure collaborated with the government and after two years the canoe construction project – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was launched.

“The most difficult aspect wasn’t wood collection, it was gaining local support,” he explains.

Initiative Accomplishments

The initiative worked to bring back traditional navigation techniques, educate new craftspeople and use canoe-making to strengthen cultural identity and regional collaboration.

So far, the group has created a display, published a book and supported the construction or restoration of nearly three dozen boats – from the far south to the northern shoreline.

Resource Benefits

In contrast to many other island territories where forest clearing has reduced wood resources, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for crafting substantial vessels.

“Elsewhere, they often use marine plywood. Locally, we can still carve solid logs,” he explains. “That represents a significant advantage.”

The canoes built under the Kenu Waan Project integrate traditional boat forms with Melanesian rigging.

Educational Expansion

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been educating students in maritime travel and traditional construction history at the local university.

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

Pacific Partnerships

He traveled with the crew of the Uto ni Yalo, the heritage craft that journeyed to Tonga for the oceanic conference in 2024.

“Throughout the region, through various islands, it’s the same movement,” he states. “We’re reclaiming the ocean together.”

Political Engagement

During the summer, Tikoure visited Nice, France to present a “Traditional understanding of the ocean” when he had discussions with Macron and additional officials.

Before state and overseas representatives, he argued for cooperative sea policies based on Kanak custom and participation.

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

Current Development

Now, when mariners from across the Pacific – from the Fijian islands, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – visit Lifou, they examine vessels collectively, modify the design and eventually navigate in unison.

“It’s not about duplicating the old models, we make them evolve.”

Integrated Mission

For Tikoure, instructing mariners and supporting ecological regulations are connected.

“The core concept concerns how we involve people: who has the right to move across the sea, and what authority governs what happens there? The canoe serve as a method to initiate that discussion.”