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During the autumn month of October on the island of Lifou, a ancient-style canoe was set afloat in the lagoon – a small act that signified a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the maiden journey of a heritage boat on Lifou in living memory, an gathering that brought together the island’s three chiefly clans in a uncommon display of togetherness.

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the last eight years, he has spearheaded a initiative that works to resurrect ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Numerous traditional boats have been crafted in an effort intended to reunite local Kanak populations with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure says the boats also help the “start of conversation” around sea access rights and environmental policies.

Global Outreach

During the summer month of July, he travelled to France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for marine policies shaped with and by Indigenous communities that recognise their maritime heritage.

“Forefathers always crossed the sea. We lost that for a time,” Tikoure states. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Canoes hold significant historical significance in New Caledonia. They once symbolised mobility, interaction and family cooperations across islands, but those practices declined under colonisation and religious conversion efforts.

Cultural Reclamation

This mission commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was looking at how to restore ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure collaborated with the government and two years later the canoe construction project – known as Project Kenu Waan – was born.

“The hardest part was not wood collection, it was gaining local support,” he explains.

Program Successes

The program aimed to restore heritage voyaging practices, educate new craftspeople and use vessel construction to strengthen community pride and island partnerships.

So far, the team has created a display, issued a volume and enabled the construction or restoration of nearly three dozen boats – from Goro to the northeastern coast.

Material Advantages

Unlike many other oceanic nations where deforestation has diminished timber supplies, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for constructing major boats.

“There, they often use modern composites. Locally, we can still carve solid logs,” he says. “This creates a crucial distinction.”

The canoes constructed under the initiative integrate Polynesian hull design with regional navigation methods.

Academic Integration

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

“This marks the initial occasion these subjects are offered at advanced education. It’s not theory – this is knowledge I’ve lived. I’ve navigated major waters on traditional boats. I’ve experienced profound emotion doing it.”

Pacific Partnerships

He traveled with the members of the Fijian vessel, the heritage craft that sailed to Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, including our location, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he states. “We’re restoring the ocean as a community.”

Policy Advocacy

This past July, Tikoure visited the European location to share a “Kanak vision of the marine environment” when he met with Macron and other leaders.

Addressing official and foreign officials, he advocated for collaborative ocean management based on Indigenous traditions and participation.

“It’s essential to include them – particularly fishing communities.”

Modern Adaptation

Currently, when mariners from throughout the region – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and Aotearoa – arrive in Lifou, they analyze boats in cooperation, refine the construction and ultimately sail side by side.

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

Integrated Mission

For Tikoure, educating sailors and advocating environmental policy are interrelated.

“The fundamental issue involves how we involve people: who is entitled to travel ocean waters, and who determines what occurs there? The canoe serve as a method to begin that dialogue.”