Reviving this Ancient Art of Traditional Boat Building in New Caledonia

During the autumn month of October on the island of Lifou, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was pushed into the coastal lagoon – a seemingly minor event that represented a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the maiden journey of a traditional canoe on Lifou in many decades, an event that assembled the island’s three chiefly clans in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Seafarer and campaigner Aile Tikoure was the driving force behind the launch. For the previous eight-year period, he has led a project that works to resurrect heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been constructed in an project aimed at reconnecting local Kanak populations with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure explains the boats also promote the “start of conversation” around sea access rights and conservation measures.

Global Outreach

This past July, he journeyed to France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for maritime regulations developed alongside and by native populations that honor their connection to the ocean.

“Forefathers always crossed the sea. We lost that for a period,” Tikoure states. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Canoes hold significant historical meaning in New Caledonia. They once represented movement, trade and family cooperations across islands, but those practices diminished under colonial rule and missionary influences.

Heritage Restoration

The initiative began in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was looking at how to restore ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure partnered with the government and following a two-year period the vessel restoration program – known as Kenu Waan project – was launched.

“The most difficult aspect wasn’t harvesting timber, it was persuading communities,” he notes.

Initiative Accomplishments

The initiative sought to revive ancestral sailing methods, educate new craftspeople and use canoe-making to enhance traditional heritage and regional collaboration.

To date, the group has produced an exhibition, published a book and enabled the creation or repair of nearly three dozen boats – from the far south to Ponerihouen.

Natural Resources

Different from many other oceanic nations where tree loss has diminished wood resources, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for crafting substantial vessels.

“Elsewhere, they often work with modern composites. Here, we can still work with whole trees,” he explains. “It makes a significant advantage.”

The vessels created under the initiative combine oceanic vessel shapes with regional navigation methods.

Teaching Development

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been educating students in maritime travel and heritage building techniques at the University of New Caledonia.

“It’s the first time this knowledge are offered at graduate studies. It’s not theory – this is knowledge I’ve experienced. I’ve crossed oceans on these canoes. I’ve cried tears of joy doing it.”

Regional Collaboration

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

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, through various islands, this represents a unified effort,” he explains. “We’re reclaiming the maritime heritage as a community.”

Governance Efforts

In July, Tikoure travelled to the French city to present a “Indigenous perspective of the marine environment” when he had discussions with Macron and other leaders.

Addressing official and overseas representatives, he argued for cooperative sea policies based on Indigenous traditions and community involvement.

“You have to involve them – most importantly people dependent on marine resources.”

Contemporary Evolution

Today, when mariners from various island nations – from Fiji, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – arrive in Lifou, they study canoes in cooperation, modify the design and finally navigate in unison.

“It’s not about duplicating the ancient designs, we make them evolve.”

Holistic Approach

According to Tikoure, teaching navigation and promoting conservation measures are interrelated.

“The fundamental issue involves community participation: who has the right to travel ocean waters, and what authority governs what occurs in these waters? The canoe is a way to begin that dialogue.”