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In October on Lifou island, a double-hulled canoe was pushed into the lagoon – a small act that marked a profoundly important moment.

It was the maiden journey of a heritage boat on Lifou in living memory, an event that brought together the island’s primary tribal groups 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 program that aims to revive traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Numerous traditional boats have been crafted in an initiative aimed at reconnecting local Kanak populations with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure says the boats also facilitate the “beginning of dialogue” around sea access rights and environmental policies.

Global Outreach

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

“Our ancestors always navigated the ocean. We lost that for a time,” Tikoure states. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Traditional vessels hold deep cultural meaning in New Caledonia. They once represented movement, exchange and tribal partnerships across islands, but those traditions diminished under colonial rule and missionary influences.

Tradition Revival

His journey began in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was considering how to reintroduce heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure partnered with the authorities and two years later the boat building initiative – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was born.

“The most difficult aspect wasn’t wood collection, it was persuading communities,” he explains.

Initiative Accomplishments

The Kenu Waan project aimed to restore ancestral sailing methods, educate new craftspeople and use vessel construction to enhance traditional heritage and inter-island cooperation.

To date, the team has produced an exhibition, published a book and enabled the construction or restoration of nearly three dozen boats – from Goro to the northern shoreline.

Natural Resources

Different from many other island territories where forest clearing has limited wood resources, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for crafting substantial vessels.

“In other places, they often work with marine plywood. In our location, we can still carve solid logs,” he says. “This creates a crucial distinction.”

The canoes constructed under the program merge traditional boat forms with regional navigation methods.

Academic Integration

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been educating students in seafaring and ancestral craft methods at the educational institution.

“It’s the first time these subjects are offered at master’s level. This isn’t academic – these are experiences I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve sailed vast distances on these vessels. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness doing it.”

Regional Collaboration

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

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

Policy Advocacy

During the summer, Tikoure journeyed to the European location to share a “Indigenous perspective of the marine environment” when he had discussions with Macron and other leaders.

Addressing official and international delegates, he advocated for collaborative ocean management based on Kanak custom and participation.

“You have to involve them – most importantly those who live from fishing.”

Modern Adaptation

Now, when mariners from throughout the region – from the Fijian islands, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – visit Lifou, they analyze boats collectively, modify the design and eventually navigate in unison.

“We don’t just copy the ancient designs, we make them evolve.”

Holistic Approach

For Tikoure, educating sailors and promoting conservation measures are connected.

“The core concept concerns how we involve people: who has the right to move across the sea, and what authority governs what happens in these waters? Traditional vessels function as a means to begin that dialogue.”