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During the autumn month of October on Lifou island, a double-hulled canoe was set afloat in the lagoon – a simple gesture that signified a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the maiden journey of a heritage boat on Lifou in many decades, an occasion that united the island’s main family lineages in a uncommon display of togetherness.

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the previous eight-year period, he has overseen a project that works to resurrect heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been constructed in an project intended to reunite native Kanak communities with their seafaring legacy. Tikoure explains the boats also facilitate the “beginning of dialogue” around ocean rights and conservation measures.

International Advocacy

This past July, he travelled to France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for ocean governance developed alongside and by local tribes that acknowledge their connection to the ocean.

“Previous generations always traveled by water. We forgot that knowledge for a time,” Tikoure states. “Now we’re finding it again.”

Heritage boats hold deep cultural importance in New Caledonia. They once represented movement, exchange and tribal partnerships across islands, but those customs diminished under colonial rule and religious conversion efforts.

Cultural Reclamation

His journey began in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was considering how to reintroduce traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure collaborated with the administration and after two years the boat building initiative – known as Kenu Waan project – was launched.

“The hardest part was not cutting down trees, it was convincing people,” he notes.

Initiative Accomplishments

The Kenu Waan project sought to revive traditional navigation techniques, mentor apprentice constructors and use vessel construction to strengthen community pride and inter-island cooperation.

To date, the group has created a display, published a book and facilitated the creation or repair of approximately thirty vessels – from the far south to Ponerihouen.

Material Advantages

Different from many other Pacific islands where deforestation has diminished lumber availability, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for crafting substantial vessels.

“Elsewhere, they often use modern composites. Locally, we can still carve solid logs,” he states. “It makes all the difference.”

The canoes created under the Kenu Waan Project combine Polynesian hull design with regional navigation methods.

Educational Expansion

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been educating students in seafaring and traditional construction history at the educational institution.

“It’s the first time this knowledge are included at graduate studies. It goes beyond textbooks – these are experiences I’ve experienced. I’ve crossed oceans on these canoes. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness doing it.”

Regional Collaboration

Tikoure sailed with the crew of the Fijian vessel, the heritage craft that journeyed to Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2024.

“Throughout the region, including our location, it’s the same movement,” he says. “We’re reclaiming the sea collectively.”

Governance Efforts

This past July, Tikoure journeyed to the French city to present a “Traditional understanding of the sea” when he had discussions with Macron and additional officials.

Before state and foreign officials, he argued for shared maritime governance based on local practices and participation.

“It’s essential to include them – particularly those who live from fishing.”

Modern Adaptation

Today, when navigators from throughout the region – from Fiji, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – come to Lifou, they examine vessels together, modify the design and eventually navigate in unison.

“It’s not about duplicating the old models, we enable their progression.”

Holistic Approach

According to Tikoure, teaching navigation and supporting ecological regulations are connected.

“It’s all about public engagement: who is entitled to travel ocean waters, and who determines what occurs in these waters? The canoe serve as a method to begin that dialogue.”