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

It was the inaugural voyage of a ancestral vessel on Lifou in living memory, an event that united the island’s three chiefly clans in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Seafarer and campaigner Aile Tikoure was the driving force behind the launch. For the past eight years, he has spearheaded a project that works to resurrect heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been built in an initiative intended to reunite Indigenous Kanak people with their maritime heritage. Tikoure states the boats also promote the “start of conversation” around ocean rights and conservation measures.

International Advocacy

During the summer month of July, he journeyed to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for maritime regulations created in consultation with and by Indigenous communities that honor their maritime heritage.

“Our ancestors always navigated the ocean. We abandoned that practice for a period,” Tikoure states. “Now we’re finding it again.”

Canoes hold profound traditional importance in New Caledonia. They once stood for movement, exchange and family cooperations across islands, but those customs diminished under colonisation and missionary influences.

Tradition Revival

His journey commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was considering how to bring back heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure worked with the government and two years later the canoe construction project – known as Project Kenu Waan – was established.

“The biggest challenge was not cutting down trees, it was convincing people,” he explains.

Initiative Accomplishments

The program aimed to restore traditional navigation techniques, educate new craftspeople and use boat-building to strengthen community pride and regional collaboration.

To date, the organization has produced an exhibition, released a publication and supported the creation or repair of around 30 canoes – from Goro to the northeastern coast.

Natural Resources

Different from many other island territories where deforestation has reduced wood resources, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for crafting substantial vessels.

“In other places, they often work with marine plywood. Locally, we can still craft from natural timber,” he says. “It makes all the difference.”

The vessels constructed under the initiative combine oceanic vessel shapes with local sailing systems.

Academic Integration

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been instructing navigation and traditional construction history at the University of New Caledonia.

“For the first time ever these subjects are taught at graduate studies. It’s not theory – this is knowledge I’ve lived. I’ve navigated major waters on traditional boats. I’ve experienced profound emotion during these journeys.”

Pacific Partnerships

He traveled with the members of the traditional boat, the Fijian canoe that traveled to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, through various islands, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he says. “We’re taking back the sea as a community.”

Governance Efforts

This past July, Tikoure travelled to the European location to present a “Indigenous perspective of the marine environment” when he met with Macron and government representatives.

Addressing official and foreign officials, he argued for collaborative ocean management based on Kanak custom and participation.

“We must engage local populations – most importantly people dependent on marine resources.”

Current Development

Currently, when mariners from throughout the region – from the Fijian islands, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – come to Lifou, they analyze boats together, adjust the structure and eventually navigate in unison.

“We don’t just copy the ancient designs, we help them develop.”

Integrated Mission

According to Tikoure, educating sailors and supporting ecological regulations are interrelated.

“The fundamental issue involves how we involve people: who is entitled to move across the sea, and what authority governs what occurs in these waters? The canoe function as a means to begin that dialogue.”