🔗 Share this article

This past October on Lifou, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was set afloat in 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 generations, an event that united the island’s primary tribal groups in a rare show of unity.

Seafarer and campaigner Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the past eight years, he has spearheaded a program that seeks to restore ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been constructed in an effort intended to reunite Indigenous Kanak people with their maritime heritage. Tikoure says the boats also facilitate the “start of conversation” around ocean rights and conservation measures.

International Advocacy

During the summer month of July, he visited France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for maritime regulations created in consultation with and by native populations that recognise their relationship with the sea.

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

Canoes hold significant historical significance in New Caledonia. They once stood for travel, trade and family cooperations across islands, but those practices diminished under foreign occupation and outside cultural pressures.

Cultural Reclamation

The initiative commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was considering how to bring back ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure partnered with the administration and following a two-year period the canoe construction project – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was established.

“The most difficult aspect wasn’t wood collection, it was persuading communities,” he notes.

Project Achievements

The program worked to bring back traditional navigation techniques, train young builders and use boat-building to enhance community pride and regional collaboration.

To date, the organization has organized a showcase, published a book and enabled the construction or restoration of nearly three dozen boats – from the far south to the northern shoreline.

Natural Resources

In contrast to many other island territories where tree loss has reduced wood resources, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for carving large hulls.

“Elsewhere, they often work with modern composites. In our location, we can still craft from natural timber,” he explains. “This creates a crucial distinction.”

The canoes constructed under the initiative combine oceanic vessel shapes with local sailing systems.

Educational Expansion

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been educating students in seafaring and ancestral craft methods at the educational institution.

“For the first time ever this knowledge are offered at advanced education. It’s not theory – it’s something I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve crossed oceans on these vessels. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness during these journeys.”

Regional Collaboration

He voyaged with the crew of the Uto ni Yalo, the heritage craft that journeyed to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“Across the Pacific, from Fiji to here, this represents a unified effort,” he says. “We’re taking back the ocean together.”

Policy Advocacy

In July, Tikoure visited Nice, France to introduce a “Indigenous perspective of the ocean” when he conferred with Macron and government representatives.

In front of government and international delegates, he argued for cooperative sea policies based on Kanak custom and participation.

“We must engage them – especially those who live from fishing.”

Current Development

Today, when navigators from various island nations – from Fiji, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – come to Lifou, they analyze boats collectively, adjust the structure and ultimately sail side by side.

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

Integrated Mission

In his view, instructing mariners and advocating environmental policy are connected.

“The fundamental issue involves how we involve people: what permissions exist to travel ocean waters, and who decides what occurs in these waters? Traditional vessels serve as a method to start that conversation.”