Reviving this Ancient Craft of Traditional Boat Construction in the Pacific Territory

This past October on the island of Lifou, a double-hulled canoe was set afloat in the turquoise waters – a simple gesture that marked a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the maiden journey of a ancestral vessel on Lifou in generations, an occasion that assembled the island’s primary tribal groups in a rare show of unity.

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the previous eight-year period, he has spearheaded a program that works to resurrect heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been crafted in an initiative intended to reunite local Kanak populations with their seafaring legacy. Tikoure states the boats also promote the “beginning of dialogue” around maritime entitlements and environmental policies.

Global Outreach

During the summer month of July, he visited France and met President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for maritime regulations created in consultation with and by Indigenous communities that acknowledge their maritime heritage.

“Forefathers always navigated the ocean. We lost that for a period,” Tikoure states. “Now we’re finding it again.”

Canoes hold significant historical significance in New Caledonia. They once symbolised travel, trade and family cooperations across islands, but those traditions diminished under colonial rule and missionary influences.

Heritage Restoration

The initiative began in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was looking at how to restore traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure worked with the administration and after two years the boat building initiative – known as Project Kenu Waan – was born.

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

Program Successes

The Kenu Waan project aimed to restore ancestral sailing methods, mentor apprentice constructors and use canoe-making to strengthen traditional heritage and regional collaboration.

To date, the group has created a display, published a book and facilitated the building or renovation of approximately thirty vessels – from the far south to the northeastern coast.

Natural Resources

Unlike many other oceanic nations where forest clearing has diminished wood resources, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for crafting substantial vessels.

“There, they often use synthetic materials. Locally, we can still carve solid logs,” he explains. “It makes a significant advantage.”

The canoes constructed under the program integrate traditional boat forms with local sailing systems.

Educational Expansion

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been teaching maritime travel and heritage building techniques at the local university.

“This marks the initial occasion these subjects are taught at master’s level. It’s not theory – this is knowledge I’ve experienced. I’ve crossed oceans on these vessels. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness while accomplishing this.”

Pacific Partnerships

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

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, through various islands, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he explains. “We’re reclaiming the ocean as a community.”

Governance Efforts

This past July, Tikoure journeyed to the French city to introduce a “Traditional understanding of the marine environment” when he met with Macron and additional officials.

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

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

Current Development

Currently, when navigators from various island nations – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and New Zealand – visit Lifou, they examine vessels together, modify the design and ultimately navigate in unison.

“We’re not simply replicating the ancient designs, we make them evolve.”

Integrated Mission

In his view, educating sailors and supporting ecological regulations are linked.

“It’s all about public engagement: who has the right to navigate marine territories, and who decides which activities take place there? Heritage boats function as a means to begin that dialogue.”