🔗 Share this article

This past October on Lifou island, a double-hulled canoe was pushed into the turquoise waters – a small act that marked a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the maiden journey of a traditional canoe on Lifou in many decades, an event that brought together the island’s three chiefly clans in a rare show of unity.

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the previous eight-year period, he has spearheaded a program that seeks to restore traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been crafted in an initiative aimed at reconnecting native Kanak communities with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure explains the boats also facilitate the “opening of discussions” around maritime entitlements and conservation measures.

Diplomatic Efforts

In July, he journeyed to France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for ocean governance developed alongside and by Indigenous communities that honor their connection to the ocean.

“Our ancestors always traveled by water. We abandoned that practice for a time,” Tikoure says. “Now we’re finding it again.”

Heritage boats hold deep cultural meaning in New Caledonia. They once stood for travel, exchange and clan alliances across islands, but those practices faded under foreign occupation and missionary influences.

Tradition Revival

The initiative commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was exploring how to reintroduce traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure collaborated with the administration and two years later the vessel restoration program – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was established.

“The biggest challenge didn’t involve cutting down trees, it was convincing people,” he says.

Initiative Accomplishments

The Kenu Waan project worked to bring back ancestral sailing methods, train young builders and use canoe-making to enhance traditional heritage and island partnerships.

To date, the organization has organized a showcase, released a publication and facilitated the creation or repair of nearly three dozen boats – from Goro to the northern shoreline.

Natural Resources

Unlike many other island territories where deforestation has reduced wood resources, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for crafting substantial vessels.

“There, they often employ modern composites. Locally, we can still craft from natural timber,” he explains. “It makes all the difference.”

The canoes constructed under the program combine traditional boat forms with Melanesian rigging.

Academic Integration

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been educating students in navigation and ancestral craft methods at the University of New Caledonia.

“For the first time ever these topics are offered at graduate studies. It goes beyond textbooks – these are experiences I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve sailed vast distances on these canoes. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness doing it.”

Regional Collaboration

He traveled with the crew of the Uto ni Yalo, the Pacific vessel that journeyed to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“Throughout the region, including our location, this represents a unified effort,” he explains. “We’re restoring the maritime heritage as a community.”

Governance Efforts

This past July, Tikoure visited Nice, France to introduce a “Kanak vision of the ocean” when he had discussions with Macron and government representatives.

Before state and international delegates, he pushed for cooperative sea policies based on Kanak custom and participation.

“You have to involve these communities – particularly those who live from fishing.”

Current Development

Currently, when sailors from various island nations – from Fiji, the Micronesian region and New Zealand – visit Lifou, they examine vessels together, modify the design and ultimately sail side by side.

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

Integrated Mission

According to Tikoure, instructing mariners and supporting ecological regulations are interrelated.

“It’s all about community participation: who is entitled to navigate marine territories, and who determines which activities take place there? Traditional vessels function as a means to start that conversation.”