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During the autumn month of October on Lifou island, a ancient-style canoe was pushed into the lagoon – a simple gesture that marked a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the maiden journey of a ancestral vessel on Lifou in generations, an occasion that assembled the island’s three chiefly clans in a uncommon display of togetherness.

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

Many heritage vessels have been built in an initiative aimed at reconnecting native Kanak communities with their maritime heritage. Tikoure says the boats also promote the “beginning of dialogue” around ocean rights and environmental policies.

Diplomatic Efforts

This past July, he journeyed to France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for ocean governance created in consultation with and by Indigenous communities that acknowledge their maritime heritage.

“Forefathers always traveled by water. We lost that for a while,” Tikoure states. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Heritage boats hold significant historical importance in New Caledonia. They once represented mobility, exchange and clan alliances across islands, but those practices diminished under colonial rule and outside cultural pressures.

Heritage Restoration

The initiative started in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was considering how to reintroduce heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure worked with the government and after two years the boat building initiative – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was established.

“The biggest challenge wasn’t cutting down trees, it was persuading communities,” he explains.

Project Achievements

The initiative sought to revive ancestral sailing methods, mentor apprentice constructors and use vessel construction to enhance cultural identity and regional collaboration.

To date, the team has organized a showcase, published a book and enabled the building or renovation of around 30 canoes – from the southern region to Ponerihouen.

Natural Resources

Unlike many other island territories where tree loss has limited lumber availability, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for carving large hulls.

“In other places, they often work with modern composites. Here, we can still carve solid logs,” he explains. “It makes a significant advantage.”

The canoes built under the Kenu Waan Project merge oceanic vessel shapes with local sailing systems.

Academic Integration

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been educating students in maritime travel and traditional construction history at the educational institution.

“It’s the first time these topics are included at graduate studies. This isn’t academic – it’s something I’ve lived. I’ve sailed vast distances on traditional boats. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness doing it.”

Island Cooperation

He voyaged with the team of the Uto ni Yalo, the heritage craft that sailed to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“Throughout the region, from Fiji to here, it’s the same movement,” he says. “We’re reclaiming the maritime heritage collectively.”

Policy Advocacy

During the summer, Tikoure journeyed to Nice, France to present a “Kanak vision of the marine environment” when he met with Macron and other leaders.

Addressing official and foreign officials, he pushed for cooperative sea policies based on local practices and community involvement.

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

Modern Adaptation

Now, when navigators from throughout the region – from Fiji, Micronesia and New Zealand – come to Lifou, they study canoes together, refine the construction and finally voyage together.

“We don’t just copy the ancient designs, we enable their progression.”

Integrated Mission

In his view, teaching navigation and supporting ecological regulations are connected.

“The fundamental issue involves how we involve people: who is entitled to navigate marine territories, and who decides what happens on it? Traditional vessels serve as a method to initiate that discussion.”