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In October on the island of Lifou, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was pushed into the coastal lagoon – a seemingly minor event that marked a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the maiden journey of a traditional canoe on Lifou in many decades, an event that united the island’s main family lineages in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was the driving force behind the launch. For the previous eight-year period, he has led a project that aims to revive traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Numerous traditional boats have been constructed in an project designed to reconnect local Kanak populations with their seafaring legacy. Tikoure explains the boats also promote the “start of conversation” around ocean rights and conservation measures.

Global Outreach

In July, he journeyed to France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for maritime regulations shaped with and by local tribes that acknowledge their connection to the ocean.

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

Canoes hold deep cultural significance in New Caledonia. They once represented travel, interaction and family cooperations across islands, but those traditions faded under colonial rule and religious conversion efforts.

Heritage Restoration

His journey began in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was exploring how to reintroduce heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure collaborated with the authorities and after two years the boat building initiative – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was born.

“The most difficult aspect was not wood collection, it was convincing people,” he explains.

Initiative Accomplishments

The Kenu Waan project sought to revive heritage voyaging practices, train young builders and use canoe-making to strengthen traditional heritage and regional collaboration.

Up to now, the team has created a display, issued a volume and enabled the construction or restoration of around 30 canoes – from Goro to Ponerihouen.

Material Advantages

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

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

The canoes created under the initiative combine traditional boat forms with local sailing systems.

Teaching Development

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been educating students in maritime travel and traditional construction history at the educational institution.

“This marks the initial occasion this knowledge are included at advanced education. This isn’t academic – these are experiences I’ve lived. I’ve sailed vast distances on traditional boats. I’ve experienced profound emotion doing it.”

Regional Collaboration

Tikoure sailed with the members of the Fijian vessel, the Pacific vessel that sailed to Tonga for the oceanic conference in 2024.

“Throughout the region, including our location, it’s the same movement,” he says. “We’re taking back the maritime heritage collectively.”

Governance Efforts

This past July, Tikoure travelled to the European location to introduce a “Kanak vision of the marine environment” when he met with Macron and government representatives.

Addressing official and international delegates, he advocated for collaborative ocean management based on local practices and community involvement.

“We must engage local populations – particularly fishing communities.”

Modern Adaptation

Today, when sailors from various island nations – from Fiji, the Micronesian region and New Zealand – arrive in Lifou, they analyze boats collectively, refine the construction and finally sail side by side.

“It’s not about duplicating the old models, we help them develop.”

Integrated Mission

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

“The fundamental issue involves how we involve people: what permissions exist to navigate marine territories, and who determines what happens on it? The canoe function as a means to begin that dialogue.”