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During the autumn month of October on Lifou, a ancient-style canoe was pushed into the coastal lagoon – a small act that marked a highly meaningful moment.

It was the first launch of a traditional canoe on Lifou in many decades, an occasion that assembled the island’s primary tribal groups in a uncommon display of togetherness.

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the past eight years, he has led a initiative that works to resurrect heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been constructed in an effort designed to reconnect local Kanak populations with their maritime heritage. Tikoure explains the boats also facilitate the “beginning of dialogue” around maritime entitlements and ecological regulations.

Diplomatic Efforts

In July, he journeyed to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for maritime regulations created in consultation with and by Indigenous communities that recognise their connection to the ocean.

“Previous generations always navigated the ocean. We lost that for a period,” Tikoure states. “Now we’re finding it again.”

Canoes hold significant historical significance in New Caledonia. They once stood for travel, trade and family cooperations across islands, but those customs faded under foreign occupation and outside cultural pressures.

Cultural Reclamation

The initiative started in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was considering how to reintroduce traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure collaborated with the administration and following a two-year period the vessel restoration program – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was established.

“The hardest part didn’t involve harvesting timber, it was convincing people,” he says.

Program Successes

The Kenu Waan project sought to revive ancestral sailing methods, mentor apprentice constructors and use canoe-making to reinforce traditional heritage and inter-island cooperation.

So far, the group has produced an exhibition, released a publication and supported the building or renovation of around 30 canoes – from Goro to Ponerihouen.

Resource Benefits

In contrast to many other Pacific islands where forest clearing has diminished lumber availability, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for constructing major boats.

“In other places, they often employ synthetic materials. In our location, we can still work with whole trees,” he explains. “That represents a significant advantage.”

The canoes built under the program integrate oceanic vessel shapes with regional navigation methods.

Academic Integration

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been educating students in navigation and heritage building techniques at the University of New Caledonia.

“This marks the initial occasion these topics are offered at master’s level. This isn’t academic – these are experiences I’ve lived. I’ve crossed oceans on traditional boats. I’ve experienced profound emotion doing it.”

Regional Collaboration

Tikoure sailed with the team of the traditional boat, the heritage craft that journeyed to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“Throughout the region, through various islands, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he states. “We’re restoring the ocean collectively.”

Governance Efforts

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

Before state and overseas representatives, he argued for shared maritime governance based on Kanak custom and community involvement.

“It’s essential to include local populations – especially people dependent on marine resources.”

Current Development

Currently, when sailors from across the Pacific – from the Fijian islands, the Micronesian region and New Zealand – arrive in Lifou, they examine vessels in cooperation, adjust the structure and eventually sail side by side.

“We don’t just copy the old models, we help them develop.”

Comprehensive Vision

For Tikoure, teaching navigation and advocating environmental policy are connected.

“The fundamental issue involves how we involve people: what permissions exist to travel ocean waters, and who determines what occurs on it? Heritage boats function as a means to start that conversation.”