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This past October on Lifou island, a ancient-style canoe was launched into the lagoon – a seemingly minor event that signified a highly meaningful moment.

It was the maiden journey of a ancestral vessel on Lifou in generations, an occasion that brought together the island’s three chiefly clans in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

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

Dozens of canoes have been crafted in an project designed to reconnect local Kanak populations with their seafaring legacy. Tikoure says the boats also facilitate the “beginning of dialogue” around ocean rights and conservation measures.

Global Outreach

In July, he journeyed to France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for ocean governance created in consultation with and by local tribes that recognise their maritime heritage.

“Our ancestors always crossed the sea. We forgot that knowledge for a time,” Tikoure explains. “Now we’re finding it again.”

Canoes hold significant historical significance in New Caledonia. They once stood for travel, trade and clan alliances across islands, but those customs declined under colonial rule and religious conversion efforts.

Heritage Restoration

The initiative began in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was exploring how to bring back ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure partnered with the authorities and following a two-year period the vessel restoration program – known as Kenu Waan project – was established.

“The biggest challenge was not harvesting timber, it was convincing people,” he explains.

Program Successes

The Kenu Waan project sought to revive heritage voyaging practices, educate new craftspeople and use vessel construction to strengthen traditional heritage and inter-island cooperation.

Up to now, the organization has produced an exhibition, published a book and supported the construction or restoration of nearly three dozen boats – from the southern region to the northern shoreline.

Natural Resources

In contrast to many other island territories where deforestation has diminished timber supplies, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for constructing major boats.

“In other places, they often use marine plywood. In our location, we can still work with whole trees,” he says. “This creates a crucial distinction.”

The vessels constructed under the Kenu Waan Project combine traditional boat forms with Melanesian rigging.

Educational Expansion

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been teaching seafaring and heritage building techniques at the University of New Caledonia.

“For the first time ever these subjects are included at advanced education. It goes beyond textbooks – these are experiences I’ve lived. I’ve sailed vast distances on these canoes. I’ve experienced profound emotion while accomplishing this.”

Island Cooperation

Tikoure sailed with the crew of the traditional boat, the Fijian canoe that traveled to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“Throughout the region, from Fiji to here, it’s the same movement,” he says. “We’re restoring the maritime heritage as a community.”

Policy Advocacy

During the summer, Tikoure travelled to Nice, France to introduce a “Traditional understanding of the ocean” when he had discussions with Macron and government representatives.

In front of government and foreign officials, he argued for cooperative sea policies based on local practices and participation.

“It’s essential to include local populations – most importantly those who live from fishing.”

Current Development

Now, when mariners from throughout the region – from Fiji, Micronesia and Aotearoa – come to Lifou, they analyze boats together, adjust the structure and ultimately sail side by side.

“It’s not about duplicating the ancient designs, we enable their progression.”

Comprehensive Vision

For Tikoure, teaching navigation and supporting ecological regulations are interrelated.

“The core concept concerns community participation: who has the right to navigate marine territories, and who determines what happens on it? The canoe serve as a method to initiate that discussion.”