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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 profoundly important moment.

It was the maiden journey of a heritage boat on Lifou in living memory, 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 previous eight-year period, he has spearheaded a program that works to resurrect traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been built in an initiative intended to reunite Indigenous Kanak people with their maritime heritage. Tikoure states the boats also promote the “start of conversation” around maritime entitlements and environmental policies.

Diplomatic Efforts

In July, he travelled to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for ocean governance developed alongside and by native populations that honor their relationship with the sea.

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

Heritage boats hold significant historical significance in New Caledonia. They once symbolised mobility, interaction and tribal partnerships across islands, but those customs faded under colonial rule and outside cultural pressures.

Tradition Revival

The initiative began in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was considering how to reintroduce ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure partnered with the authorities and two years later the canoe construction project – known as Kenu Waan project – was established.

“The hardest part was not harvesting timber, it was persuading communities,” he explains.

Program Successes

The program worked to bring back traditional navigation techniques, train young builders and use canoe-making to enhance community pride and island partnerships.

To date, the team has produced an exhibition, released a publication and enabled the building or renovation of around 30 canoes – from the far south to the northeastern coast.

Material Advantages

Different from many other Pacific islands where tree loss has diminished lumber availability, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for constructing major boats.

“Elsewhere, they often use synthetic materials. In our location, we can still carve solid logs,” he explains. “That represents all the difference.”

The vessels constructed under the program integrate Polynesian hull design with Melanesian rigging.

Academic Integration

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been instructing navigation and traditional construction history at the local university.

“For the first time ever these subjects are offered at advanced education. It’s not theory – it’s something I’ve lived. I’ve navigated major waters on traditional boats. I’ve cried tears of joy while accomplishing this.”

Regional Collaboration

He voyaged with the crew of the Fijian vessel, the Pacific vessel that journeyed to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“Throughout the region, from Fiji to here, it’s the same movement,” he explains. “We’re reclaiming the sea together.”

Governance Efforts

In July, Tikoure travelled to the French city to present a “Traditional understanding of the marine environment” when he met with Macron and additional officials.

Before state and foreign officials, he advocated for collaborative ocean management based on Kanak custom and participation.

“We must engage them – most importantly fishing communities.”

Modern Adaptation

Now, when navigators from throughout the region – from Fiji, Micronesia and New Zealand – arrive in Lifou, they analyze boats in cooperation, modify the design and ultimately voyage together.

“It’s not about duplicating the traditional forms, we help them develop.”

Comprehensive Vision

According to Tikoure, instructing mariners and advocating environmental policy are connected.

“The fundamental issue involves how we involve people: who has the right to navigate marine territories, and who determines what occurs there? The canoe is a way to initiate that discussion.”