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In October on Lifou, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was launched into the turquoise waters – a small act that marked a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the inaugural voyage of a heritage boat on Lifou in living memory, an occasion that united the island’s primary tribal groups in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the past eight years, he has overseen a program that seeks to restore heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been constructed in an initiative aimed at reconnecting native Kanak communities with their seafaring legacy. Tikoure states the boats also promote the “beginning of dialogue” around ocean rights and environmental policies.

Diplomatic Efforts

During the summer month of July, he travelled to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for marine policies created in consultation with and by local tribes that acknowledge their connection to the ocean.

“Forefathers always navigated the ocean. We abandoned that practice for a time,” Tikoure says. “Today we’re reclaiming it again.”

Canoes hold deep cultural meaning in New Caledonia. They once symbolised travel, interaction and family cooperations across islands, but those practices faded under foreign occupation and outside cultural pressures.

Tradition Revival

His journey began in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was exploring how to bring back traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure worked with the administration and following a two-year period the canoe construction project – known as Kenu Waan project – was born.

“The hardest part didn’t involve cutting down trees, it was persuading communities,” he explains.

Project Achievements

The program sought to revive traditional navigation techniques, mentor apprentice constructors and use vessel construction to strengthen cultural identity and inter-island cooperation.

To date, the team has produced an exhibition, issued a volume and enabled the construction or restoration of nearly three dozen boats – from the far south to the northern shoreline.

Natural Resources

In contrast to many other oceanic nations where tree loss has reduced wood resources, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for carving large hulls.

“Elsewhere, they often work with synthetic materials. Locally, we can still carve solid logs,” he states. “It makes all the difference.”

The vessels constructed under the initiative integrate traditional boat forms with regional navigation methods.

Academic Integration

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been instructing maritime travel and ancestral craft methods at the local university.

“For the first time ever this knowledge are offered at advanced education. It goes beyond textbooks – these are experiences I’ve lived. I’ve crossed oceans on these canoes. I’ve cried tears of joy doing it.”

Island Cooperation

He voyaged with the members of the Fijian vessel, the heritage craft that traveled to Tonga for the oceanic conference in 2024.

“Throughout the region, including our location, this represents a unified effort,” he says. “We’re taking back the maritime heritage as a community.”

Political Engagement

In July, Tikoure visited the European location to introduce a “Kanak vision of the ocean” when he had discussions with Macron and other leaders.

Addressing official and foreign officials, he pushed for shared maritime governance based on local practices and local engagement.

“We must engage these communities – especially people dependent on marine resources.”

Modern Adaptation

Now, when navigators from various island nations – from the Fijian islands, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – come to Lifou, they study canoes in cooperation, refine the construction and finally navigate in unison.

“We’re not simply replicating the ancient designs, we help them develop.”

Holistic Approach

In his view, instructing mariners and supporting ecological regulations are interrelated.

“The core concept concerns how we involve people: what permissions exist to navigate marine territories, and what authority governs what occurs in these waters? Heritage boats is a way to begin that dialogue.”