Bringing Back this Ancient Art of Canoe Construction in New Caledonia

This past October on Lifou island, a ancient-style canoe was set afloat in the lagoon – a seemingly minor event that represented a deeply symbolic moment.

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

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the past eight years, he has led a initiative that aims to revive traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Numerous traditional boats have been crafted in an project designed to reconnect Indigenous Kanak people with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure states the boats also help the “opening of discussions” around ocean rights and conservation measures.

International Advocacy

During the summer month of July, he visited France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for ocean governance developed alongside and by native populations that honor their maritime heritage.

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

Traditional vessels hold profound traditional importance in New Caledonia. They once represented travel, interaction and tribal partnerships across islands, but those customs declined under foreign occupation and missionary influences.

Tradition Revival

His journey commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was exploring how to reintroduce traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure partnered with the administration and after two years the boat building initiative – known as Project Kenu Waan – was established.

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

Project Achievements

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

To date, the team has produced an exhibition, issued a volume and enabled the creation or repair of approximately thirty vessels – from Goro to the northeastern coast.

Material Advantages

Different from many other Pacific islands where tree loss has limited wood resources, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for carving large hulls.

“Elsewhere, they often work with marine plywood. Here, we can still carve solid logs,” he explains. “This creates all the difference.”

The canoes created under the program integrate oceanic vessel shapes with local sailing systems.

Academic Integration

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been instructing maritime travel and heritage building techniques at the educational institution.

“For the first time ever these subjects are taught at advanced education. It’s not theory – it’s something I’ve lived. I’ve crossed oceans on traditional boats. I’ve cried tears of joy during these journeys.”

Regional Collaboration

Tikoure sailed with the members of the traditional boat, the heritage craft that traveled to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“Throughout the region, including our location, this represents a unified effort,” he states. “We’re reclaiming the sea collectively.”

Governance Efforts

This past July, Tikoure journeyed to the French city to present a “Kanak vision of the sea” when he conferred with Macron and government representatives.

In front of government and international delegates, he advocated for shared maritime governance based on Kanak custom and participation.

“It’s essential to include these communities – most importantly fishing communities.”

Modern Adaptation

Currently, when sailors from various island nations – from Fiji, the Micronesian region and New Zealand – visit Lifou, they analyze boats collectively, adjust the structure and eventually navigate in unison.

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

Holistic Approach

In his view, teaching navigation and advocating environmental policy are linked.

“The fundamental issue involves public engagement: what permissions exist to travel ocean waters, and what authority governs which activities take place there? Heritage boats is a way to start that conversation.”