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In October on the island of Lifou, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was set afloat in the turquoise waters – a small act that marked a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the first launch of a traditional canoe on Lifou in generations, an event 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 previous eight-year period, he has overseen a project that works to resurrect heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been built in an effort intended to reunite local Kanak populations with their maritime heritage. Tikoure explains the boats also help the “opening of discussions” around sea access rights and ecological regulations.

International Advocacy

This past July, he journeyed to France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for marine policies shaped with and by Indigenous communities that acknowledge their maritime heritage.

“Forefathers always crossed the sea. We abandoned that practice for a period,” Tikoure explains. “Today we’re reclaiming it again.”

Canoes hold deep cultural significance in New Caledonia. They once symbolised mobility, trade and clan alliances across islands, but those traditions diminished under foreign occupation and missionary influences.

Tradition Revival

The initiative started in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was looking at how to reintroduce ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure collaborated with the administration and two years later the canoe construction project – known as Project Kenu Waan – was launched.

“The biggest challenge was not harvesting timber, it was convincing people,” he notes.

Program Successes

The initiative worked to bring back traditional navigation techniques, train young builders and use canoe-making to enhance community pride and island partnerships.

Up to now, the team has created a display, issued a volume and facilitated the construction or restoration of approximately thirty vessels – from the southern region to the northeastern coast.

Material Advantages

In contrast to many other island territories where forest clearing has limited timber supplies, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for carving large hulls.

“There, they often employ marine plywood. Locally, we can still craft from natural timber,” he says. “This creates all the difference.”

The vessels constructed under the initiative integrate Polynesian hull design with regional navigation methods.

Educational Expansion

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been educating students in seafaring and ancestral craft methods at the University of New Caledonia.

“This marks the initial occasion this knowledge are offered at master’s level. It goes beyond textbooks – this is knowledge I’ve experienced. I’ve sailed vast distances on these canoes. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness while accomplishing this.”

Pacific Partnerships

Tikoure sailed with the members of the Uto ni Yalo, the heritage craft that sailed to Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2024.

“Throughout the region, from Fiji to here, it’s the same movement,” he says. “We’re taking back the ocean collectively.”

Governance Efforts

During the summer, Tikoure travelled to the French city to share a “Traditional understanding of the sea” when he had discussions with Macron and other leaders.

Addressing official and overseas representatives, he pushed for cooperative sea policies based on Indigenous traditions and community involvement.

“You have to involve local populations – particularly those who live from fishing.”

Modern Adaptation

Now, when mariners from throughout the region – from Fiji, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – visit Lifou, they examine vessels in cooperation, adjust the structure and ultimately sail side by side.

“We don’t just copy the traditional forms, we help them develop.”

Holistic Approach

According to Tikoure, educating sailors and promoting conservation measures are interrelated.

“The core concept concerns community participation: who has the right to navigate marine territories, and who decides which activities take place in these waters? The canoe function as a means to initiate that discussion.”