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In October on Lifou, a ancient-style canoe was launched into the coastal lagoon – a small act that marked a profoundly important moment.

It was the first launch of a heritage boat on Lifou in living memory, an occasion that assembled the island’s three chiefly clans in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the previous eight-year period, he has spearheaded a program that aims to revive ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been constructed in an initiative designed to reconnect native Kanak communities with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure states the boats also help the “opening of discussions” around sea access rights and conservation measures.

Diplomatic Efforts

In July, he travelled to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for marine policies shaped with and by Indigenous communities that acknowledge their connection to the ocean.

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

Canoes hold deep cultural importance in New Caledonia. They once represented travel, exchange and family cooperations across islands, but those customs declined under colonisation and missionary influences.

Tradition Revival

His journey started in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was considering how to reintroduce heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure collaborated with the government and after two years the vessel restoration program – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was established.

“The most difficult aspect wasn’t cutting down trees, it was gaining local support,” he explains.

Program Successes

The program worked to bring back ancestral sailing methods, educate new craftspeople and use canoe-making to reinforce community pride and inter-island cooperation.

To date, the group has produced an exhibition, issued a volume and facilitated the building or renovation of nearly three dozen boats – from Goro to the northern shoreline.

Natural Resources

Different from many other oceanic nations where forest clearing has limited wood resources, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for carving large hulls.

“There, they often work with marine plywood. Here, we can still work with whole trees,” he explains. “It makes a crucial distinction.”

The canoes built under the program merge Polynesian hull design with local sailing systems.

Academic Integration

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been educating students in seafaring and heritage building techniques at the University of New Caledonia.

“For the first time ever these topics are taught at advanced education. 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

Tikoure sailed with the crew of the traditional boat, the Fijian canoe that traveled to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“Across the Pacific, including our location, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he explains. “We’re restoring the maritime heritage together.”

Political Engagement

In July, Tikoure journeyed to the European location to share a “Indigenous perspective of the ocean” when he conferred with Macron and government representatives.

Before state and foreign officials, he advocated for shared maritime governance based on Kanak custom and local engagement.

“We must engage them – most importantly those who live from fishing.”

Contemporary Evolution

Today, when mariners from across the Pacific – from the Fijian islands, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – arrive in Lifou, they examine vessels together, modify the design and eventually sail side by side.

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

Holistic Approach

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

“The fundamental issue involves public engagement: what permissions exist to navigate marine territories, and who determines what happens in these waters? The canoe serve as a method to start that conversation.”