Bringing Back this Forgotten Craft of Traditional Boat Making in the Pacific Territory

This past October on Lifou island, a double-hulled canoe was set afloat in the turquoise waters – a small act that signified a highly meaningful moment.

It was the maiden journey of a heritage boat on Lifou in living memory, an occasion that assembled the island’s three chiefly clans in a uncommon display of togetherness.

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was the driving force behind the launch. For the last eight years, he has spearheaded a initiative that works to resurrect traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Numerous traditional boats have been crafted in an project intended to reunite local Kanak populations with their maritime heritage. Tikoure says the boats also facilitate the “beginning of dialogue” around maritime entitlements and environmental policies.

Global Outreach

During the summer month of July, he journeyed to France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for marine policies developed alongside and by local tribes that recognise their maritime heritage.

“Forefathers always navigated the ocean. We abandoned that practice for a period,” Tikoure says. “Today we’re reclaiming it again.”

Traditional vessels hold deep cultural significance in New Caledonia. They once symbolised movement, interaction and tribal partnerships across islands, but those customs faded under colonial rule and outside cultural pressures.

Heritage Restoration

This mission commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was exploring how to bring back heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure partnered with the government and after two years the canoe construction project – known as Project Kenu Waan – was launched.

“The biggest challenge wasn’t cutting down trees, it was persuading communities,” he explains.

Project Achievements

The Kenu Waan project aimed to restore traditional navigation techniques, educate new craftspeople and use canoe-making to strengthen cultural identity and island partnerships.

So far, the team has produced an exhibition, released a publication and supported the construction or restoration of around 30 canoes – from Goro to Ponerihouen.

Material Advantages

Unlike many other island territories where tree loss has limited wood resources, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for constructing major boats.

“Elsewhere, they often use modern composites. Locally, we can still craft from natural timber,” he explains. “That represents all the difference.”

The canoes built under the initiative integrate traditional boat forms with regional navigation methods.

Academic Integration

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been educating students in maritime travel and traditional construction history at the University of New Caledonia.

“It’s the first time these subjects are included at graduate studies. It goes beyond textbooks – it’s something I’ve experienced. I’ve crossed oceans on traditional boats. I’ve cried tears of joy doing it.”

Island Cooperation

Tikoure sailed with the crew of the traditional boat, the heritage craft that journeyed to Tonga for the oceanic conference in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, from Fiji to here, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he says. “We’re restoring the sea together.”

Political Engagement

In July, Tikoure travelled to the French city to share a “Indigenous perspective of the sea” when he met with Macron and other leaders.

Addressing official and international delegates, he argued for collaborative ocean management based on local practices and community involvement.

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

Current Development

Today, when sailors from throughout the region – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and New Zealand – visit Lifou, they study canoes in cooperation, modify the design and eventually sail side by side.

“It’s not about duplicating the traditional forms, we enable their progression.”

Integrated Mission

In his view, teaching navigation and promoting conservation measures are connected.

“The fundamental issue involves community participation: who is entitled to move across the sea, and what authority governs what occurs there? Traditional vessels function as a means to initiate that discussion.”