🔗 Share this article

This past October on the island of Lifou, a ancient-style canoe was set afloat in the coastal lagoon – a simple gesture that marked a deeply symbolic moment.

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

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the previous eight-year period, he has spearheaded a initiative that works to resurrect traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been crafted in an effort designed to reconnect local Kanak populations with their maritime heritage. Tikoure states the boats also help the “start of conversation” around sea access rights and environmental policies.

International Advocacy

This past July, he journeyed to France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for ocean governance created in consultation with and by local tribes that honor their maritime heritage.

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

Heritage boats hold deep cultural importance in New Caledonia. They once symbolised travel, exchange and family cooperations across islands, but those customs faded under colonial rule and missionary influences.

Tradition Revival

This mission commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was looking at how to bring back ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure partnered with the government and two years later the canoe construction project – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was launched.

“The hardest part was not cutting down trees, it was gaining local support,” he explains.

Project Achievements

The program sought to revive traditional navigation techniques, mentor apprentice constructors and use boat-building to reinforce cultural identity and regional collaboration.

So far, the organization has produced an exhibition, published a book and supported the building or renovation of nearly three dozen boats – from the far south to the northern shoreline.

Natural Resources

In contrast to many other Pacific islands where forest clearing has limited timber supplies, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for crafting substantial vessels.

“In other places, they often work with synthetic materials. Here, we can still craft from natural timber,” he states. “That represents all the difference.”

The vessels constructed under the Kenu Waan Project merge oceanic vessel shapes with local sailing systems.

Teaching Development

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been educating students in navigation and ancestral craft methods at the University of New Caledonia.

“This marks the initial occasion these topics are offered at graduate studies. It goes beyond textbooks – this is knowledge I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve navigated major waters on these canoes. I’ve experienced profound emotion doing it.”

Island Cooperation

He voyaged with the team of the traditional boat, the heritage craft that journeyed to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“Throughout the region, including our location, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he explains. “We’re restoring the maritime heritage as a community.”

Governance Efforts

This past July, Tikoure journeyed to Nice, France to share a “Indigenous perspective of the marine environment” when he conferred with Macron and other leaders.

In front of government and international delegates, he pushed for collaborative ocean management based on Kanak custom and community involvement.

“We must engage these communities – particularly those who live from fishing.”

Modern Adaptation

Currently, when navigators from across the Pacific – from Fiji, Micronesia and Aotearoa – come to Lifou, they study canoes collectively, modify the design and finally voyage together.

“We don’t just copy the traditional forms, we help them develop.”

Integrated Mission

In his view, teaching navigation and advocating environmental policy are connected.

“The core concept concerns how we involve people: who is entitled to navigate marine territories, and what authority governs which activities take place in these waters? The canoe serve as a method to start that conversation.”