Bringing Back this Ancient Tradition of Canoe Construction in New Caledonia

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

It was the first launch of a heritage boat on Lifou in living memory, an occasion that united the island’s main family lineages in a rare show of unity.

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the past eight years, he has spearheaded a program that works to resurrect ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been crafted in an effort intended to reunite native Kanak communities with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure says the boats also help the “start of conversation” around maritime entitlements and ecological regulations.

International Advocacy

In July, he journeyed to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for ocean governance developed alongside and by Indigenous communities that acknowledge their maritime heritage.

“Our ancestors always traveled by water. We forgot that knowledge for a period,” Tikoure explains. “Today we’re reclaiming it again.”

Heritage boats hold deep cultural meaning in New Caledonia. They once symbolised movement, trade and family cooperations across islands, but those customs declined under colonial rule and missionary influences.

Cultural Reclamation

His journey started in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was exploring how to bring back traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure worked with the government and two years later the vessel restoration program – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was born.

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

Initiative Accomplishments

The initiative sought to revive heritage voyaging practices, mentor apprentice constructors and use boat-building to reinforce cultural identity and inter-island cooperation.

To date, the organization has produced an exhibition, issued a volume and facilitated the creation or repair of nearly three dozen boats – from the southern region to the northeastern coast.

Material Advantages

In contrast to many other oceanic nations where forest clearing has reduced lumber availability, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for crafting substantial vessels.

“Elsewhere, they often employ modern composites. Locally, we can still carve solid logs,” he says. “It makes a significant advantage.”

The boats created under the initiative integrate traditional boat forms with regional navigation methods.

Educational Expansion

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been teaching seafaring and heritage building techniques at the University of New Caledonia.

“This marks the initial occasion these topics are offered at master’s level. It goes beyond textbooks – it’s something I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve sailed vast distances on these vessels. I’ve cried tears of joy during these journeys.”

Island Cooperation

Tikoure sailed with the crew of the Uto ni Yalo, the Fijian canoe that journeyed to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“Throughout the region, through various islands, it’s the same movement,” he states. “We’re restoring the maritime heritage as a community.”

Political Engagement

In July, Tikoure visited Nice, France to share a “Traditional understanding of the ocean” when he met with Macron and government representatives.

In front of government and overseas representatives, he advocated for shared maritime governance based on local practices and local engagement.

“We must engage local populations – particularly fishing communities.”

Modern Adaptation

Now, when navigators from various island nations – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and Aotearoa – arrive in Lifou, they examine vessels collectively, refine the construction and finally voyage together.

“We don’t just copy the ancient designs, we help them develop.”

Holistic Approach

In his view, educating sailors and promoting conservation measures are linked.

“It’s all about public engagement: who has the right to navigate marine territories, and who decides what occurs there? Heritage boats is a way to begin that dialogue.”