The sailor reviving the lost art of canoe building in New Caledonia

The Guardian
The Guardian 3M France
Aile Tikoure leads a project to revive canoe building in New Caledonia, reconnecting Indigenous Kanak people with their maritime heritage and sparking discussions on ocean rights.
The sailor reviving the lost art of canoe building in New Caledonia
Why it matters
In New Caledonia, Aile Tikoure has initiated a project to revive traditional canoe building, a practice that had faded under colonization. The first canoe was launched in Lifou island, symbolizing unity among the island's clans. Over eight years, Tikoure's Kenu Waan project has produced about 30 canoes, aiming to reconnect the Indigenous Kanak people with their maritime heritage. The project also emphasizes restoring navigation techniques and cultural identity. Tikoure advocates for marine policies that involve Indigenous communities, highlighting the importance of their relationship with the sea. He teaches navigation and canoe construction at the University of New Caledonia, marking a significant step in preserving this cultural practice.
TOPICS

Climate & Environment Conservation

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