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In October on Lifou island, a double-hulled canoe was pushed into the turquoise waters – a seemingly minor event that represented a highly meaningful moment.

It was the maiden journey of a traditional canoe on Lifou in many decades, an event that assembled the island’s main family lineages in a uncommon display of togetherness.

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

Many heritage vessels have been built in an effort designed to reconnect local Kanak populations with their seafaring legacy. Tikoure states the boats also help the “opening of discussions” around maritime entitlements and environmental policies.

Diplomatic Efforts

In July, he visited France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for marine policies shaped with and by Indigenous communities that recognise their relationship with the sea.

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

Canoes hold deep cultural significance in New Caledonia. They once represented movement, exchange and tribal partnerships across islands, but those customs diminished under colonisation and religious conversion efforts.

Tradition Revival

His journey began in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was considering how to reintroduce ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure partnered with the authorities and following a two-year period the boat building initiative – known as Project Kenu Waan – was established.

“The most difficult aspect was not cutting down trees, it was persuading communities,” he explains.

Project Achievements

The Kenu Waan project aimed to restore traditional navigation techniques, educate new craftspeople and use boat-building to reinforce community pride and inter-island cooperation.

To date, the group has created a display, released a publication and enabled the creation or repair of approximately thirty vessels – from the far south to Ponerihouen.

Natural Resources

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

“Elsewhere, they often use marine plywood. Here, we can still craft from natural timber,” he explains. “That represents a significant advantage.”

The vessels created under the initiative merge oceanic vessel shapes with regional navigation methods.

Academic Integration

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been instructing maritime travel and traditional construction history at the educational institution.

“For the first time ever these topics are taught at advanced education. It’s not theory – it’s something I’ve lived. I’ve sailed vast distances on traditional boats. I’ve experienced profound emotion doing it.”

Pacific Partnerships

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

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, through various islands, this represents a unified effort,” he states. “We’re reclaiming the ocean together.”

Political Engagement

In July, Tikoure travelled to the French city to present a “Kanak vision of the marine environment” when he conferred with Macron and other leaders.

In front of government and overseas representatives, he argued for collaborative ocean management based on local practices and participation.

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

Contemporary Evolution

Today, when sailors from across the Pacific – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and New Zealand – come to Lifou, they analyze boats collectively, modify the design and eventually voyage together.

“We’re not simply replicating the ancient designs, we enable their progression.”

Integrated Mission

For Tikoure, instructing mariners and advocating environmental policy are connected.

“The fundamental issue involves how we involve people: who is entitled to travel ocean waters, and who determines which activities take place on it? Heritage boats is a way to begin that dialogue.”