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In October on Lifou island, a double-hulled canoe was set afloat in the turquoise waters – a seemingly minor event that signified a highly meaningful moment.

It was the inaugural voyage of a heritage boat on Lifou in many decades, an event that assembled the island’s main family lineages in a rare show of unity.

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was the driving force behind the launch. For the last eight years, he has led a project that aims to revive heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been constructed in an effort aimed at reconnecting native Kanak communities with their seafaring legacy. Tikoure says the boats also promote the “start of conversation” around sea access rights and environmental policies.

Diplomatic Efforts

During the summer month of July, he travelled to France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for maritime regulations shaped with and by native populations that acknowledge their maritime heritage.

“Forefathers always traveled by water. We abandoned that practice for a time,” Tikoure says. “Now we’re finding it again.”

Canoes hold significant historical meaning in New Caledonia. They once represented mobility, trade and clan alliances across islands, but those customs declined under colonial rule and outside cultural pressures.

Tradition Revival

The initiative commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was looking at how to restore heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure collaborated with the authorities and following a two-year period the vessel restoration program – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was established.

“The biggest challenge was not harvesting timber, it was gaining local support,” he notes.

Program Successes

The program sought to revive ancestral sailing methods, educate new craftspeople and use canoe-making to enhance traditional heritage and regional collaboration.

To date, the organization has created a display, issued a volume and supported the creation or repair of around 30 canoes – from the southern region to the northeastern coast.

Natural Resources

In contrast to many other island territories where tree loss has diminished timber supplies, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for carving large hulls.

“There, they often use modern composites. Here, we can still work with whole trees,” he states. “This creates a significant advantage.”

The boats created under the Kenu Waan Project combine Polynesian hull design with regional navigation methods.

Academic Integration

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been educating students in navigation and heritage building techniques at the local university.

“It’s the first time these topics are offered at master’s level. It goes beyond textbooks – these are experiences I’ve experienced. I’ve navigated major waters on traditional boats. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness while accomplishing this.”

Regional Collaboration

He voyaged with the members of the Fijian vessel, the Pacific vessel that sailed to Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2024.

“Throughout the region, through various islands, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he says. “We’re taking back the sea collectively.”

Political Engagement

This past July, Tikoure travelled to the European location to introduce a “Kanak vision of the sea” when he met with Macron and other leaders.

Addressing official and foreign officials, he argued for cooperative sea policies based on Kanak custom and community involvement.

“We must engage these communities – especially fishing communities.”

Contemporary Evolution

Currently, when mariners from various island nations – from the Fijian islands, the Micronesian region and New Zealand – visit Lifou, they examine vessels collectively, adjust the structure and eventually voyage together.

“We don’t just copy the traditional forms, we enable their progression.”

Integrated Mission

For Tikoure, instructing mariners and supporting ecological regulations are connected.

“The core concept concerns public engagement: what permissions exist to move across the sea, and who determines which activities take place in these waters? Heritage boats is a way to initiate that discussion.”