🔗 Share this article

In October on the island of Lifou, a double-hulled canoe was set afloat in the turquoise waters – 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 main family lineages in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was the driving force behind the launch. For the last eight years, he has spearheaded a project that works to resurrect heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been constructed in an initiative intended to reunite native Kanak communities with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure states the boats also facilitate the “opening of discussions” around ocean rights and environmental policies.

International Advocacy

During the summer month of July, he travelled to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for marine policies created in consultation with and by local tribes that honor their maritime heritage.

“Our ancestors always traveled by water. We forgot that knowledge for a while,” Tikoure explains. “Now we’re finding it again.”

Canoes hold profound traditional significance in New Caledonia. They once represented mobility, interaction and tribal partnerships across islands, but those traditions declined under colonial rule and missionary influences.

Tradition Revival

This mission began in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was considering how to reintroduce traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure collaborated with the authorities and following a two-year period the vessel restoration program – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was launched.

“The most difficult aspect didn’t involve harvesting timber, it was convincing people,” he notes.

Initiative Accomplishments

The program worked to bring back ancestral sailing methods, mentor apprentice constructors and use boat-building to enhance cultural identity and island partnerships.

To date, the group has produced an exhibition, published a book and enabled the construction or restoration of nearly three dozen boats – from the far south to the northern shoreline.

Resource Benefits

In contrast to many other island territories where deforestation has diminished wood resources, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for crafting substantial vessels.

“There, they often employ marine plywood. In our location, we can still carve solid logs,” he states. “It makes a significant advantage.”

The vessels constructed under the initiative integrate oceanic vessel shapes with regional navigation methods.

Academic Integration

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been educating students in maritime travel and traditional construction history at the University of New Caledonia.

“This marks the initial occasion this knowledge are included at graduate studies. It goes beyond textbooks – it’s something I’ve lived. I’ve sailed vast distances on these vessels. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness during these journeys.”

Pacific Partnerships

He voyaged with the team of the traditional boat, the Pacific vessel that traveled to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“Throughout the region, through various islands, it’s the same movement,” he says. “We’re reclaiming the maritime heritage collectively.”

Governance Efforts

In July, Tikoure journeyed to the European location to present a “Traditional understanding of the marine environment” when he had discussions with Macron and government representatives.

In front of government and overseas representatives, he advocated for shared maritime governance based on Kanak custom and community involvement.

“It’s essential to include local populations – particularly people dependent on marine resources.”

Contemporary Evolution

Now, when navigators from various island nations – from Fiji, Micronesia and Aotearoa – arrive in Lifou, they analyze boats in cooperation, modify the design and eventually navigate in unison.

“It’s not about duplicating the ancient designs, we enable their progression.”

Holistic Approach

For Tikoure, teaching navigation and advocating environmental policy are linked.

“It’s all about public engagement: who has the right to travel ocean waters, and who determines what happens on it? The canoe is a way to initiate that discussion.”