Restoring this Lost Art of Traditional Boat Making in New Caledonia

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

It was the inaugural voyage of a ancestral vessel on Lifou in living memory, an event that brought together the island’s main family lineages in a rare show of unity.

Seafarer and campaigner Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the previous eight-year period, he has spearheaded a project that seeks to restore heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been crafted in an initiative intended to reunite local Kanak populations with their seafaring legacy. Tikoure says the boats also help the “start of conversation” around sea access rights and conservation measures.

International Advocacy

In July, he journeyed to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for ocean governance created in consultation with and by local tribes that honor their maritime heritage.

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

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

Cultural Reclamation

The initiative commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was looking at how to restore heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure collaborated with the government and after two years the vessel restoration program – known as Kenu Waan project – was launched.

“The most difficult aspect wasn’t cutting down trees, it was convincing people,” he notes.

Initiative Accomplishments

The program worked to bring back heritage voyaging practices, train young builders and use vessel construction to enhance traditional heritage and inter-island cooperation.

Up to now, the organization has produced an exhibition, published a book and facilitated the construction or restoration of nearly three dozen boats – from Goro to the northern shoreline.

Material Advantages

In contrast to many other oceanic nations where forest clearing has diminished lumber availability, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for carving large hulls.

“In other places, they often employ synthetic materials. Locally, we can still craft from natural timber,” he states. “It makes a crucial distinction.”

The vessels created under the initiative combine oceanic vessel shapes with Melanesian rigging.

Academic Integration

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been instructing seafaring and ancestral craft methods at the local university.

“It’s the first time these subjects are offered at graduate studies. It’s not theory – these are experiences I’ve experienced. I’ve crossed oceans on these canoes. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness during these journeys.”

Regional Collaboration

Tikoure sailed with the crew of the Uto ni Yalo, the Fijian canoe that traveled to Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2024.

“Across the Pacific, through various islands, this represents a unified effort,” he says. “We’re reclaiming the sea as a community.”

Policy Advocacy

This past July, Tikoure journeyed to Nice, France to present a “Indigenous perspective of the marine environment” when he had discussions with Macron and government representatives.

Addressing official and international delegates, he pushed for cooperative sea policies based on Indigenous traditions and participation.

“We must engage these communities – most importantly those who live from fishing.”

Current Development

Today, when navigators from throughout the region – from Fiji, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – come to Lifou, they examine vessels collectively, modify the design and eventually sail side by side.

“It’s not about duplicating the ancient designs, we help them develop.”

Comprehensive Vision

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

“The fundamental issue involves how we involve people: who is entitled to move across the sea, and who determines what occurs on it? Heritage boats is a way to begin that dialogue.”