Bringing Back this Forgotten Tradition of Canoe Building in the Pacific Territory

In October on Lifou island, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was set afloat in the lagoon – a small act that represented a profoundly important moment.

It was the first launch of a ancestral vessel on Lifou in many decades, an occasion that brought together the island’s main family lineages in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Seafarer and campaigner Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the last eight years, he has led a program that works to resurrect heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Numerous traditional boats have been built in an effort intended to reunite Indigenous Kanak people with their maritime heritage. Tikoure says 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 conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for ocean governance shaped with and by native populations that recognise their maritime heritage.

“Previous generations always navigated the ocean. We abandoned that practice for a time,” Tikoure says. “Now we’re finding it again.”

Traditional vessels hold significant historical importance in New Caledonia. They once symbolised movement, exchange and tribal partnerships across islands, but those practices faded under colonisation and outside cultural pressures.

Cultural Reclamation

This mission commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was considering how to restore heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure collaborated with the government and two years later the canoe construction project – known as Kenu Waan project – was launched.

“The biggest challenge wasn’t cutting down trees, it was convincing people,” he says.

Program Successes

The program worked to bring back heritage voyaging practices, educate new craftspeople and use canoe-making to enhance cultural identity and inter-island cooperation.

So far, the organization has produced an exhibition, released a publication and enabled the creation or repair of approximately thirty vessels – from the southern region to the northern shoreline.

Natural Resources

Different from many other oceanic nations where forest clearing has limited timber supplies, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for carving large hulls.

“There, they often use modern composites. Locally, we can still work with whole trees,” he states. “That represents a significant advantage.”

The boats built under the Kenu Waan Project integrate traditional boat forms with local sailing systems.

Educational Expansion

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been teaching seafaring and ancestral craft methods at the local university.

“It’s the first time this knowledge are included at advanced education. It goes beyond textbooks – this is knowledge I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve crossed oceans on traditional boats. I’ve experienced profound emotion doing it.”

Regional Collaboration

He traveled with the members of the traditional boat, the Fijian canoe that journeyed to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, from Fiji to here, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he explains. “We’re reclaiming the sea as a community.”

Political Engagement

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

Addressing official and international delegates, he argued for collaborative ocean management based on Indigenous traditions and local engagement.

“It’s essential to include them – particularly fishing communities.”

Current Development

Now, when mariners from throughout the region – from Fiji, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – visit Lifou, they analyze boats collectively, adjust the structure and finally navigate in unison.

“We’re not simply replicating the traditional forms, we help them develop.”

Integrated Mission

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

“The fundamental issue involves public engagement: who is entitled to navigate marine territories, and what authority governs what happens in these waters? The canoe serve as a method to start that conversation.”