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This past October on Lifou, a double-hulled canoe was set afloat in the lagoon – a simple gesture that signified a profoundly important moment.

It was the maiden journey of a heritage boat on Lifou in generations, an occasion that united the island’s primary tribal groups in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

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

Numerous traditional boats have been crafted in an initiative aimed at reconnecting native Kanak communities with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure explains the boats also facilitate the “beginning of dialogue” around ocean rights and ecological regulations.

International Advocacy

This past July, he visited France and met President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for ocean governance developed alongside and by local tribes that recognise their relationship with the sea.

“Previous generations always navigated the ocean. We lost that for a period,” Tikoure states. “Now we’re finding it again.”

Canoes hold significant historical significance in New Caledonia. They once stood for movement, trade and tribal partnerships across islands, but those practices diminished under colonial rule and outside cultural pressures.

Cultural Reclamation

The initiative began in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was exploring how to restore ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure collaborated with the authorities and after two years the vessel restoration program – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was born.

“The most difficult aspect was not wood collection, it was persuading communities,” he notes.

Initiative Accomplishments

The program sought to revive heritage voyaging practices, mentor apprentice constructors and use vessel construction to strengthen traditional heritage and island partnerships.

To date, the group has organized a showcase, issued a volume and supported the creation or repair of nearly three dozen boats – from the far south to the northeastern coast.

Resource Benefits

Unlike many other oceanic nations where deforestation has limited timber supplies, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for constructing major boats.

“There, they often use modern composites. In our location, we can still craft from natural timber,” he says. “This creates all the difference.”

The boats constructed under the program merge oceanic vessel shapes with local sailing systems.

Academic Integration

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been teaching navigation and traditional construction history at the University of New Caledonia.

“This marks the initial occasion this knowledge are taught at advanced education. It goes beyond textbooks – these are experiences I’ve lived. I’ve sailed vast distances on traditional boats. I’ve cried tears of joy during these journeys.”

Island Cooperation

He traveled with the team of the Fijian vessel, the Fijian canoe that sailed to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“Across the Pacific, from Fiji to here, it’s the same movement,” he says. “We’re taking back the sea collectively.”

Political Engagement

In July, Tikoure journeyed to Nice, France to share a “Kanak vision of the marine environment” when he had discussions with Macron and additional officials.

Addressing official and international delegates, he pushed for collaborative ocean management based on Kanak custom and community involvement.

“It’s essential to include local populations – particularly those who live from fishing.”

Contemporary Evolution

Today, when mariners from various island nations – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and Aotearoa – arrive in Lifou, they examine vessels collectively, modify the design and eventually sail side by side.

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

Comprehensive Vision

In his view, educating sailors and advocating environmental policy are linked.

“The fundamental issue involves public engagement: what permissions exist to move across the sea, and who determines which activities take place on it? The canoe serve as a method to begin that dialogue.”