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This past October on Lifou island, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was launched into the coastal lagoon – a simple gesture that represented a profoundly important moment.

It was the maiden journey of a heritage boat on Lifou in generations, an event that assembled the island’s main family lineages in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

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

Dozens of canoes have been crafted in an effort aimed at reconnecting Indigenous Kanak people with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure explains the boats also facilitate the “start of conversation” around sea access rights and environmental policies.

International Advocacy

In July, he travelled to France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for maritime regulations developed alongside and by native populations that honor their relationship with the sea.

“Our ancestors always crossed the sea. We abandoned that practice for a while,” Tikoure explains. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Canoes hold significant historical meaning in New Caledonia. They once stood for movement, interaction and tribal partnerships across islands, but those traditions faded under colonisation and religious conversion efforts.

Heritage Restoration

This mission began in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was exploring how to reintroduce ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure worked with the administration and two years later the canoe construction project – known as Project Kenu Waan – was born.

“The biggest challenge wasn’t wood collection, it was persuading communities,” he says.

Program Successes

The program aimed to restore ancestral sailing methods, educate new craftspeople and use vessel construction to reinforce traditional heritage and island partnerships.

Up to now, the organization has organized a showcase, released a publication and enabled the building or renovation of approximately thirty vessels – from Goro to the northeastern coast.

Resource Benefits

Unlike many other island territories where deforestation has reduced lumber availability, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for carving large hulls.

“Elsewhere, they often employ modern composites. In our location, we can still carve solid logs,” he explains. “This creates a significant advantage.”

The boats built under the program integrate Polynesian hull design with local sailing systems.

Teaching Development

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been educating students in seafaring and heritage building techniques at the local university.

“It’s the first time this knowledge are taught at advanced education. It’s not theory – these are experiences I’ve experienced. I’ve sailed vast distances on these canoes. I’ve cried tears of joy while accomplishing this.”

Regional Collaboration

He traveled with the members of the traditional boat, the Pacific vessel that traveled to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“Throughout the region, through various islands, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he states. “We’re taking back the sea as a community.”

Governance Efforts

In July, Tikoure visited Nice, France to introduce a “Traditional understanding of the sea” when he had discussions with Macron and other leaders.

Before state and international delegates, he pushed for cooperative sea policies based on Indigenous traditions and local engagement.

“We must engage these communities – most importantly fishing communities.”

Contemporary Evolution

Now, when mariners from throughout the region – from the Fijian islands, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – arrive in Lifou, they examine vessels together, refine the construction and eventually voyage together.

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

Holistic Approach

For Tikoure, teaching navigation and promoting conservation measures are connected.

“The fundamental issue involves public engagement: who is entitled to travel ocean waters, and who decides what happens on it? Traditional vessels function as a means to begin that dialogue.”