🔗 Share this article

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

It was the first launch of a heritage boat on Lifou in living memory, an event that assembled the island’s primary tribal groups in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

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

Many heritage vessels have been built in an project aimed at reconnecting native Kanak communities with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure explains the boats also facilitate the “beginning of dialogue” around ocean rights and ecological regulations.

International Advocacy

During the summer month of July, he visited France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for marine policies shaped with and by local tribes that acknowledge their connection to the ocean.

“Our ancestors always navigated the ocean. We abandoned that practice for a period,” Tikoure says. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Heritage boats hold significant historical meaning in New Caledonia. They once represented mobility, exchange and family cooperations across islands, but those traditions faded under colonial rule and outside cultural pressures.

Cultural Reclamation

His journey started in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was looking at how to bring back heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure worked with the authorities and following a two-year period the boat building initiative – known as Kenu Waan project – was launched.

“The biggest challenge didn’t involve harvesting timber, it was gaining local support,” he says.

Project Achievements

The program sought to revive traditional navigation techniques, train young builders and use boat-building to strengthen traditional heritage and inter-island cooperation.

So far, the group has created a display, released a publication and facilitated the construction or restoration of nearly three dozen boats – from Goro to the northeastern coast.

Natural Resources

Different from many other island territories where forest clearing has diminished timber supplies, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for crafting substantial vessels.

“There, they often employ marine plywood. In our location, we can still work with whole trees,” he says. “That represents a significant advantage.”

The canoes built under the initiative combine Polynesian hull design with regional navigation methods.

Teaching Development

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

“It’s the first time this knowledge are taught at master’s level. It’s not theory – it’s something I’ve lived. I’ve navigated major waters on these vessels. I’ve experienced profound emotion while accomplishing this.”

Island Cooperation

Tikoure sailed with the crew of the traditional boat, the Fijian canoe that sailed to Tonga for the oceanic conference in 2024.

“Across the Pacific, including our location, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he explains. “We’re reclaiming the maritime heritage as a community.”

Policy Advocacy

This past July, Tikoure travelled to the French city to introduce a “Kanak vision of the ocean” when he had discussions with Macron and other leaders.

In front of government and foreign officials, he advocated for cooperative sea policies based on Kanak custom and local engagement.

“We must engage them – most importantly people dependent on marine resources.”

Modern Adaptation

Today, when mariners from throughout the region – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and New Zealand – come to Lifou, they study canoes together, refine the construction and finally voyage together.

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

Comprehensive Vision

For Tikoure, teaching navigation and promoting conservation measures are linked.

“The fundamental issue involves public engagement: who is entitled to navigate marine territories, and who decides which activities take place in these waters? Heritage boats is a way to start that conversation.”