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In October on Lifou island, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was launched into the lagoon – a small act that marked a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the first launch of a traditional canoe on Lifou in generations, an gathering that assembled the island’s primary tribal groups in a rare show of unity.

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the past eight years, he has spearheaded a project that works to resurrect ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Numerous traditional boats have been built in an initiative intended to reunite Indigenous Kanak people with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure explains the boats also help the “start of conversation” around sea access rights and conservation measures.

International Advocacy

During the summer month of July, he visited France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for marine policies shaped with and by Indigenous communities that honor their maritime heritage.

“Previous generations always crossed the sea. We lost that for a time,” Tikoure explains. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Canoes hold significant historical meaning in New Caledonia. They once stood for travel, exchange and clan alliances across islands, but those traditions declined under foreign occupation and religious conversion efforts.

Tradition Revival

This mission started in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was looking at how to reintroduce ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure worked with the government and after two years the boat building initiative – known as Kenu Waan project – was born.

“The most difficult aspect wasn’t wood collection, it was convincing people,” he notes.

Program Successes

The initiative sought to revive traditional navigation techniques, mentor apprentice constructors and use canoe-making to enhance cultural identity and island partnerships.

Up to now, the organization has created a display, released a publication and enabled the creation or repair of nearly three dozen boats – from the southern region to the northeastern coast.

Material Advantages

In contrast to many other oceanic nations where forest clearing has diminished lumber availability, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for constructing major boats.

“There, they often employ marine plywood. Locally, we can still craft from natural timber,” he states. “That represents a crucial distinction.”

The canoes built under the Kenu Waan Project integrate traditional boat forms with Melanesian rigging.

Educational Expansion

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been teaching navigation and traditional construction history at the local university.

“For the first time ever these topics are offered at graduate studies. It’s not theory – these are experiences I’ve lived. I’ve crossed oceans on these vessels. I’ve experienced profound emotion while accomplishing this.”

Island Cooperation

He traveled with the crew of the Fijian vessel, the Fijian canoe that sailed to Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, through various islands, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he says. “We’re reclaiming the sea collectively.”

Governance Efforts

During the summer, Tikoure visited the French city to share a “Traditional understanding of the ocean” when he met with Macron and government representatives.

Before state and overseas representatives, he argued for collaborative ocean management based on local practices and participation.

“It’s essential to include these communities – most importantly people dependent on marine resources.”

Contemporary Evolution

Now, when sailors from throughout the region – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and New Zealand – come to Lifou, they analyze boats collectively, modify the design and finally voyage together.

“It’s not about duplicating the old models, we make them evolve.”

Integrated Mission

According to Tikoure, educating sailors and supporting ecological regulations are linked.

“The core concept concerns public engagement: who is entitled to navigate marine territories, and who determines which activities take place on it? Heritage boats is a way to start that conversation.”