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During the autumn month of October on the island of Lifou, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was launched into the lagoon – a simple gesture that represented a highly meaningful moment.

It was the first launch of a traditional canoe on Lifou in generations, an gathering that united the island’s primary tribal groups in a uncommon display of togetherness.

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the last eight years, he has overseen a initiative that aims to revive traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been constructed in an effort aimed at reconnecting Indigenous Kanak people with their seafaring legacy. Tikoure states the boats also facilitate the “beginning of dialogue” around ocean rights and environmental policies.

Diplomatic Efforts

During the summer month of July, he visited France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for maritime regulations shaped with and by Indigenous communities that honor their connection to the ocean.

“Forefathers always navigated the ocean. We abandoned that practice for a time,” Tikoure says. “Now we’re finding it again.”

Traditional vessels hold profound traditional importance in New Caledonia. They once stood for travel, interaction and family cooperations across islands, but those traditions declined under colonisation and missionary influences.

Heritage Restoration

His journey started in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was considering how to bring back heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure partnered with the government and following a two-year period the canoe construction project – known as Kenu Waan project – was born.

“The biggest challenge didn’t involve cutting down trees, it was gaining local support,” he says.

Project Achievements

The initiative sought to revive heritage voyaging practices, train young builders and use vessel construction to enhance community pride and regional collaboration.

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

Resource Benefits

In contrast to many other oceanic nations where forest clearing has diminished wood resources, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for crafting substantial vessels.

“Elsewhere, they often work with modern composites. Here, we can still carve solid logs,” he says. “That represents a crucial distinction.”

The boats created under the Kenu Waan Project combine Polynesian hull design with Melanesian rigging.

Teaching Development

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been educating students in seafaring and traditional construction history at the University of New Caledonia.

“It’s the first time this knowledge are taught at advanced education. This isn’t academic – these are experiences I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve sailed vast distances on these canoes. I’ve cried tears of joy while accomplishing this.”

Pacific Partnerships

He voyaged with the members of the Uto ni Yalo, the Fijian canoe that sailed to Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2024.

“Across the Pacific, including our location, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he explains. “We’re restoring the ocean collectively.”

Governance Efforts

During the summer, Tikoure visited the French city to share a “Indigenous perspective of the ocean” when he had discussions with Macron and government representatives.

In front of government and foreign officials, he argued for shared maritime governance based on local practices and local engagement.

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

Contemporary Evolution

Currently, when sailors from various island nations – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and Aotearoa – arrive in Lifou, they examine vessels in cooperation, modify the design and ultimately navigate in unison.

“We’re not simply replicating the ancient designs, we make them evolve.”

Integrated Mission

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

“The fundamental issue involves how we involve people: who is entitled to navigate marine territories, and what authority governs what happens on it? The canoe is a way to initiate that discussion.”