Bringing Back the Forgotten Tradition of Traditional Boat Making in New Caledonia

This past October on the island of Lifou, a ancient-style canoe was launched into the lagoon – a simple gesture that marked a highly meaningful moment.

It was the maiden journey of a traditional canoe on Lifou in many decades, an gathering that united the island’s primary tribal groups in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Seafarer and campaigner Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the last eight years, he has led a project that aims to revive traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Numerous traditional boats have been built in an initiative aimed at reconnecting local Kanak populations with their maritime heritage. Tikoure says the boats also facilitate the “beginning of dialogue” around ocean rights and environmental policies.

International Advocacy

During the summer month of July, he travelled to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, calling for maritime regulations created in consultation with and by native populations that honor their connection to the ocean.

“Previous generations always crossed the sea. We forgot that knowledge for a while,” Tikoure says. “Now we’re finding it again.”

Traditional vessels hold deep cultural meaning in New Caledonia. They once symbolised movement, trade and family cooperations across islands, but those customs diminished under colonial rule and religious conversion efforts.

Tradition Revival

His journey commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was exploring how to reintroduce ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure partnered with the administration and following a two-year period the canoe construction project – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was established.

“The biggest challenge wasn’t wood collection, it was convincing people,” he notes.

Initiative Accomplishments

The program aimed to restore ancestral sailing methods, educate new craftspeople and use boat-building to enhance community pride and island partnerships.

Up to now, the organization has organized a showcase, released a publication and facilitated the construction or restoration of around 30 canoes – from the far south to Ponerihouen.

Natural Resources

Unlike many other Pacific islands where deforestation has reduced timber supplies, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for carving large hulls.

“Elsewhere, they often work with marine plywood. Locally, we can still work with whole trees,” he explains. “It makes a significant advantage.”

The canoes constructed under the Kenu Waan Project combine traditional boat forms with regional navigation methods.

Teaching Development

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been teaching seafaring and traditional construction history at the local university.

“It’s the first time these subjects are taught at master’s level. It’s not theory – these are experiences I’ve experienced. I’ve crossed oceans on these vessels. I’ve experienced profound emotion doing it.”

Pacific Partnerships

Tikoure sailed with the members of the traditional boat, the heritage craft that traveled to Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, through various islands, this represents a unified effort,” he says. “We’re taking back the sea as a community.”

Governance Efforts

In July, Tikoure journeyed to Nice, France to present a “Kanak vision of the ocean” when he had discussions with Macron and other leaders.

Addressing official and foreign officials, he pushed for collaborative ocean management based on Kanak custom and community involvement.

“We must engage local populations – particularly people dependent on marine resources.”

Contemporary Evolution

Now, when navigators from throughout the region – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and New Zealand – arrive in Lifou, they analyze boats collectively, adjust the structure and finally sail side by side.

“It’s not about duplicating the old models, we enable their progression.”

Holistic Approach

In his view, teaching navigation and supporting ecological regulations are interrelated.

“It’s all about how we involve people: what permissions exist to travel ocean waters, and who decides what happens there? The canoe is a way to begin that dialogue.”