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In October on Lifou island, a double-hulled canoe was launched into the lagoon – a small act that represented a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the maiden journey of a traditional canoe on Lifou in generations, an occasion that brought together the island’s three chiefly clans in a uncommon display of togetherness.

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

Many heritage vessels have been constructed in an project intended to reunite native Kanak communities with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure explains the boats also promote the “opening of discussions” around maritime entitlements and environmental policies.

Global Outreach

During the summer month of July, he travelled to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for maritime regulations developed alongside and by native populations that honor their relationship with the sea.

“Forefathers always crossed the sea. We lost that for a time,” Tikoure states. “Now we’re finding it again.”

Heritage boats hold significant historical significance in New Caledonia. They once represented movement, trade and clan alliances across islands, but those customs declined under colonisation and missionary influences.

Cultural Reclamation

This mission started in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was considering how to restore ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure partnered with the government and after two years the vessel restoration program – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was born.

“The hardest part didn’t involve wood collection, it was persuading communities,” he notes.

Program Successes

The initiative aimed to restore traditional navigation techniques, educate new craftspeople and use boat-building to reinforce community pride and regional collaboration.

To date, the organization has produced an exhibition, issued a volume and enabled the creation or repair of approximately thirty vessels – from the far south to the northern shoreline.

Resource Benefits

Unlike many other island territories where forest clearing has reduced lumber availability, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for crafting substantial vessels.

“Elsewhere, they often work with modern composites. Locally, we can still carve solid logs,” he says. “It makes all the difference.”

The boats built under the Kenu Waan Project integrate traditional boat forms with regional navigation methods.

Teaching Development

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been teaching navigation and ancestral craft methods at the educational institution.

“For the first time ever this knowledge are taught at graduate studies. It’s not theory – this is knowledge I’ve lived. I’ve navigated major waters on these canoes. I’ve experienced profound emotion during these journeys.”

Island Cooperation

He voyaged with the team of the Fijian vessel, the Pacific vessel that sailed to Tonga for the oceanic conference in 2024.

“Throughout the region, through various islands, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he explains. “We’re restoring the sea collectively.”

Policy Advocacy

During the summer, Tikoure travelled to the French city to present a “Kanak vision of the sea” when he had discussions with Macron and additional officials.

Before state and international delegates, he argued for cooperative sea policies based on Indigenous traditions and community involvement.

“We must engage these communities – most importantly fishing communities.”

Modern Adaptation

Today, when sailors from throughout the region – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and Aotearoa – arrive in Lifou, they analyze boats together, refine the construction and eventually voyage together.

“It’s not about duplicating the old models, we make them evolve.”

Comprehensive Vision

According to Tikoure, instructing mariners and promoting conservation measures are linked.

“It’s all about public engagement: who is entitled to move across the sea, and who determines what occurs on it? Heritage boats function as a means to initiate that discussion.”