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This past October on Lifou island, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was set afloat in the turquoise waters – a small act that represented a highly meaningful moment.

It was the first launch of a traditional canoe on Lifou in many decades, an gathering that assembled the island’s main family lineages in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the last eight years, he has spearheaded a program that works to resurrect heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been built in an project aimed at reconnecting native Kanak communities with their maritime heritage. Tikoure says the boats also facilitate the “opening of discussions” around sea access rights and environmental policies.

International Advocacy

During the summer month of July, he journeyed to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for maritime regulations shaped with and by Indigenous communities that honor their relationship with the sea.

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

Traditional vessels hold significant historical meaning in New Caledonia. They once stood for movement, trade and clan alliances across islands, but those practices faded under colonial rule and outside cultural pressures.

Tradition Revival

His journey started in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was considering how to bring back ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure partnered with the administration and after two years the canoe construction project – known as Kenu Waan project – was established.

“The biggest challenge didn’t involve wood collection, it was persuading communities,” he notes.

Initiative Accomplishments

The initiative aimed to restore traditional navigation techniques, train young builders and use vessel construction to reinforce community pride and island partnerships.

To date, the group has created a display, issued a volume and facilitated the construction or restoration of around 30 canoes – from Goro to the northeastern coast.

Material Advantages

Unlike many other island territories where forest clearing has reduced lumber availability, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for constructing major boats.

“In other places, they often work with synthetic materials. In our location, we can still carve solid logs,” he states. “That represents a significant advantage.”

The boats built under the initiative integrate oceanic vessel shapes with local sailing systems.

Teaching Development

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been teaching maritime travel and ancestral craft methods at the local university.

“For the first time ever this knowledge are taught at graduate studies. It goes beyond textbooks – it’s something I’ve lived. I’ve sailed vast distances on these vessels. I’ve experienced profound emotion doing it.”

Island Cooperation

He voyaged with the team of the Uto ni Yalo, the Pacific vessel that sailed to Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2024.

“Across the Pacific, through various islands, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he states. “We’re restoring the sea together.”

Political Engagement

In July, Tikoure visited the French city to share a “Traditional understanding 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 Indigenous traditions and participation.

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

Contemporary Evolution

Currently, when navigators from various island nations – from Fiji, the Micronesian region and New Zealand – arrive in Lifou, they analyze boats together, refine the construction and ultimately sail side by side.

“It’s not about duplicating the traditional forms, we make them evolve.”

Comprehensive Vision

In his view, teaching navigation and promoting conservation measures are linked.

“The fundamental issue involves public engagement: who is entitled to move across the sea, and what authority governs what happens in these waters? The canoe function as a means to initiate that discussion.”