🔗 Share this article

During the autumn month of October on the island of Lifou, a ancient-style canoe was launched into the coastal lagoon – a seemingly minor event that represented a profoundly important moment.

It was the inaugural voyage of a traditional canoe on Lifou in generations, an gathering that brought together the island’s three chiefly clans in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Seafarer and campaigner Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the last eight years, he has overseen a project that aims to revive traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been built in an initiative aimed at reconnecting local Kanak populations with their maritime heritage. Tikoure states the boats also facilitate the “start of conversation” around maritime entitlements and conservation measures.

International Advocacy

During the summer month of July, he visited France and met President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for marine policies developed alongside and by native populations that acknowledge their connection to the ocean.

“Our ancestors always traveled by water. We lost that for a time,” Tikoure states. “Today we’re reclaiming it again.”

Canoes hold profound traditional meaning in New Caledonia. They once represented mobility, interaction and clan alliances across islands, but those practices faded under colonial rule and missionary influences.

Heritage Restoration

The initiative began in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was considering how to reintroduce heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure collaborated with the authorities and two years later the boat building initiative – known as Kenu Waan project – was launched.

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

Program Successes

The initiative sought to revive traditional navigation techniques, mentor apprentice constructors and use vessel construction to reinforce traditional heritage and island partnerships.

Up to now, the group has produced an exhibition, released a publication and supported the building or renovation of nearly three dozen boats – from Goro to the northern shoreline.

Material Advantages

Different from many other Pacific islands where forest clearing has limited wood resources, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for crafting substantial vessels.

“In other places, they often employ synthetic materials. Locally, we can still carve solid logs,” he explains. “This creates all the difference.”

The vessels built under the initiative combine oceanic vessel shapes with regional navigation methods.

Teaching Development

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been teaching navigation and ancestral craft methods at the University of New Caledonia.

“For the first time ever this knowledge are included at advanced education. It goes beyond textbooks – this is knowledge I’ve lived. I’ve sailed vast distances on traditional boats. I’ve cried tears of joy doing it.”

Regional Collaboration

He traveled with the crew of the traditional boat, the heritage craft that journeyed to Tonga for the oceanic conference in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, through various islands, it’s the same movement,” he says. “We’re taking back the sea together.”

Governance Efforts

During the summer, Tikoure journeyed to Nice, France to share a “Kanak vision of the marine environment” when he had discussions with Macron and additional officials.

Addressing official and international delegates, he advocated for shared maritime governance based on local practices and community involvement.

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

Contemporary Evolution

Currently, when navigators from across the Pacific – from Fiji, the Micronesian region and New Zealand – visit Lifou, they examine vessels together, modify the design and finally voyage together.

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

Comprehensive Vision

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

“The fundamental issue involves public engagement: what permissions exist to move across the sea, and what authority governs which activities take place there? The canoe serve as a method to begin that dialogue.”