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In October on the island of Lifou, a ancient-style canoe was pushed into the lagoon – a small act that represented a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the first launch of a heritage boat on Lifou in many decades, an gathering that assembled the island’s main family lineages in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the past eight years, he has overseen a project that aims to revive heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been crafted in an effort intended to reunite Indigenous Kanak people with their seafaring legacy. Tikoure explains the boats also promote the “start of conversation” around maritime entitlements and conservation measures.

Global Outreach

This past July, he journeyed to France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for ocean governance developed alongside and by native populations that acknowledge their connection to the ocean.

“Forefathers always crossed the sea. We forgot that knowledge for a time,” Tikoure explains. “Now we’re finding it again.”

Canoes hold significant historical importance in New Caledonia. They once stood for movement, exchange and clan alliances across islands, but those customs declined under colonial rule and missionary influences.

Tradition Revival

This mission commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was exploring how to reintroduce heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure worked with the administration and two years later the vessel restoration program – known as Kenu Waan project – was born.

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

Program Successes

The initiative aimed to restore ancestral sailing methods, train young builders and use vessel construction to reinforce cultural identity and regional collaboration.

Up to now, the organization has organized a showcase, issued a volume and supported the creation or repair of nearly three dozen boats – from Goro to the northeastern coast.

Resource Benefits

Different from many other island territories where deforestation has diminished timber supplies, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for constructing major boats.

“In other places, they often employ synthetic materials. In our location, we can still craft from natural timber,” he explains. “It makes a significant advantage.”

The vessels constructed under the Kenu Waan Project combine Polynesian hull design with Melanesian rigging.

Teaching Development

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been educating students in navigation and ancestral craft methods at the educational institution.

“For the first time ever this knowledge are taught at master’s level. This isn’t academic – this is knowledge I’ve lived. I’ve navigated major waters on traditional boats. I’ve experienced profound emotion while accomplishing this.”

Pacific Partnerships

Tikoure sailed with the crew of the Fijian vessel, the Fijian canoe that sailed to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“Throughout the region, including our location, this represents a unified effort,” he says. “We’re restoring the ocean collectively.”

Political Engagement

During the summer, Tikoure journeyed to Nice, France to introduce a “Indigenous perspective of the marine environment” when he conferred with Macron and government representatives.

Addressing official and foreign officials, he pushed for cooperative sea policies based on local practices and participation.

“You have to involve these communities – most importantly fishing communities.”

Modern Adaptation

Today, when sailors from various island nations – from Fiji, Micronesia and New Zealand – come to Lifou, they analyze boats collectively, adjust the structure and finally voyage together.

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

Comprehensive Vision

In his view, instructing mariners and supporting ecological regulations are interrelated.

“It’s all about how we involve people: what permissions exist to navigate marine territories, and who decides which activities take place on it? The canoe is a way to start that conversation.”