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In October on Lifou, a ancient-style canoe was launched into the turquoise waters – a small act that signified a deeply symbolic moment.

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

Seafarer and campaigner Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the previous eight-year period, he has spearheaded a initiative that aims to revive heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Numerous traditional boats have been crafted in an effort intended to reunite local Kanak populations with their seafaring legacy. Tikoure states the boats also facilitate the “beginning of dialogue” around maritime entitlements and conservation measures.

International Advocacy

This past July, he travelled to France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for marine policies developed alongside and by native populations that honor their relationship with the sea.

“Our ancestors always crossed the sea. We forgot that knowledge for a time,” Tikoure says. “Today we’re reclaiming it again.”

Canoes hold deep cultural meaning in New Caledonia. They once symbolised mobility, interaction and tribal partnerships across islands, but those traditions diminished under foreign occupation and outside cultural pressures.

Tradition Revival

This mission commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was exploring how to restore traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure partnered with the authorities and two years later the vessel restoration program – known as Project Kenu Waan – was born.

“The hardest part wasn’t wood collection, it was persuading communities,” he notes.

Program Successes

The initiative aimed to restore heritage voyaging practices, educate new craftspeople and use vessel construction to strengthen community pride and regional collaboration.

Up to now, the group has organized a showcase, issued a volume and facilitated the creation or repair of around 30 canoes – from the far south to the northeastern coast.

Material Advantages

Different from many other island territories where deforestation has reduced lumber availability, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for carving large hulls.

“There, they often employ marine plywood. Here, we can still carve solid logs,” he states. “This creates a crucial distinction.”

The boats constructed under the initiative combine traditional boat forms with regional navigation methods.

Teaching Development

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been educating students in navigation and ancestral craft methods at the local university.

“For the first time ever these subjects are offered at advanced education. This isn’t academic – these are experiences I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve crossed oceans on traditional boats. I’ve experienced profound emotion while accomplishing this.”

Island Cooperation

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

“Across the Pacific, from Fiji to here, this represents a unified effort,” he says. “We’re restoring the maritime heritage as a community.”

Political Engagement

In July, Tikoure visited the French city to present a “Indigenous perspective of the sea” when he had discussions with Macron and other leaders.

In front of government and international delegates, he pushed for shared maritime governance based on Indigenous traditions and participation.

“You have to involve local populations – particularly fishing communities.”

Modern Adaptation

Today, when sailors from throughout the region – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and Aotearoa – arrive in Lifou, they study canoes collectively, modify the design and ultimately voyage together.

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

Integrated Mission

According to Tikoure, educating sailors and advocating environmental policy are linked.

“The core concept concerns public engagement: who is entitled to move across the sea, and who determines what happens there? The canoe serve as a method to start that conversation.”