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In October on the island of Lifou, a ancient-style canoe was pushed into the turquoise waters – a small act that represented a highly meaningful moment.

It was the inaugural voyage of a traditional canoe on Lifou in generations, an occasion that brought together the island’s three chiefly clans in a rare show of unity.

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was the driving force behind the launch. For the last eight years, he has spearheaded a initiative that aims to revive heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been built in an effort designed to reconnect local Kanak populations with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure says the boats also help the “beginning of dialogue” around maritime entitlements and ecological regulations.

International Advocacy

This past July, he journeyed to France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for maritime regulations created in consultation with and by local tribes that acknowledge their relationship with the sea.

“Our ancestors always navigated the ocean. We lost that for a time,” Tikoure says. “Today we’re reclaiming it again.”

Canoes hold deep cultural significance in New Caledonia. They once represented travel, exchange and clan alliances across islands, but those traditions faded under foreign occupation and outside cultural pressures.

Cultural Reclamation

The initiative started in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was exploring how to bring back traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure partnered with the administration and two years later the vessel restoration program – known as Project Kenu Waan – was established.

“The most difficult aspect wasn’t cutting down trees, it was gaining local support,” he notes.

Initiative Accomplishments

The initiative worked to bring back heritage voyaging practices, train young builders and use vessel construction to enhance community pride and island partnerships.

So far, the team has created a display, released a publication and facilitated the construction or restoration of around 30 canoes – from the far south to the northeastern coast.

Natural Resources

Different from many other oceanic nations where deforestation has diminished timber supplies, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for constructing major boats.

“There, they often employ modern composites. Here, we can still craft from natural timber,” he says. “It makes a crucial distinction.”

The canoes created under the Kenu Waan Project merge traditional boat forms with regional navigation methods.

Academic Integration

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been instructing navigation and heritage building techniques at the local university.

“This marks the initial occasion these topics are offered at master’s level. It’s not theory – this is knowledge I’ve lived. I’ve crossed oceans on these vessels. I’ve experienced profound emotion during these journeys.”

Island Cooperation

He voyaged with the members of the traditional boat, the Pacific vessel that sailed to Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2024.

“Across the Pacific, from Fiji to here, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he states. “We’re restoring the ocean collectively.”

Political Engagement

During the summer, Tikoure journeyed to the European location to present a “Kanak vision of the ocean” when he had discussions with Macron and other leaders.

Before state and foreign officials, he advocated for shared maritime governance based on Kanak custom and local engagement.

“It’s essential to include them – especially those who live from fishing.”

Current Development

Today, when sailors from throughout the region – from Fiji, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – arrive in Lifou, they examine vessels together, modify the design and eventually voyage together.

“We don’t just copy the ancient designs, we make them evolve.”

Comprehensive Vision

In his view, instructing mariners and promoting conservation measures are interrelated.

“The core concept concerns public engagement: who has the right to travel ocean waters, and who decides which activities take place there? Heritage boats serve as a method to begin that dialogue.”