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In October on Lifou, a double-hulled canoe was set afloat in the coastal lagoon – a small act that marked a profoundly important moment.

It was the maiden journey of a traditional canoe on Lifou in many decades, an gathering that brought together the island’s primary tribal groups 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 works to resurrect heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been built in an initiative aimed at reconnecting local Kanak populations with their maritime heritage. Tikoure says the boats also help the “opening of discussions” around sea access rights and ecological regulations.

Diplomatic Efforts

In July, he travelled to France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for ocean governance shaped with and by local tribes that recognise their maritime heritage.

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

Traditional vessels hold significant historical meaning in New Caledonia. They once symbolised travel, exchange and tribal partnerships across islands, but those traditions faded under foreign occupation and religious conversion efforts.

Tradition Revival

His journey started in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was exploring how to bring back ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure partnered with the administration and two years later the boat building initiative – known as Project Kenu Waan – was established.

“The most difficult aspect was not cutting down trees, it was gaining local support,” he explains.

Project Achievements

The program worked to bring back heritage voyaging practices, educate new craftspeople and use boat-building to strengthen community pride and regional collaboration.

Up to now, the team has produced an exhibition, released a publication and enabled the construction or restoration of nearly three dozen boats – from the southern region to the northern shoreline.

Resource Benefits

Different from many other oceanic nations where tree loss has diminished wood resources, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for constructing major boats.

“Elsewhere, they often use synthetic materials. Here, we can still craft from natural timber,” he says. “This creates a significant advantage.”

The canoes built under the initiative combine Polynesian hull design with local sailing systems.

Educational Expansion

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been instructing maritime travel and traditional construction history at the local university.

“This marks the initial occasion these topics are taught at advanced education. It’s not theory – this is knowledge I’ve experienced. I’ve navigated major waters on these vessels. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness while accomplishing this.”

Regional Collaboration

He voyaged with the members of the Uto ni Yalo, the Fijian canoe that traveled to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, including our location, this represents a unified effort,” he explains. “We’re taking back the sea as a community.”

Policy Advocacy

In July, Tikoure travelled to Nice, France to share a “Traditional understanding of the sea” when he conferred with Macron and other leaders.

Before state and international delegates, he pushed for collaborative ocean management based on Indigenous traditions and community involvement.

“You have to involve them – most importantly fishing communities.”

Contemporary Evolution

Now, when mariners from across the Pacific – from Fiji, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – arrive in Lifou, they analyze boats collectively, modify the design and eventually sail side by side.

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

Comprehensive Vision

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

“It’s all about how we involve people: what permissions exist to navigate marine territories, and who determines what occurs on it? Traditional vessels is a way to start that conversation.”