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During the autumn month of October on Lifou island, a double-hulled canoe was launched into the turquoise waters – a simple gesture that signified a profoundly important moment.

It was the first launch of a heritage boat on Lifou in generations, an occasion that brought together the island’s primary tribal groups in a uncommon display of togetherness.

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the past eight years, he has led a program that aims to revive ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been crafted in an effort intended to reunite Indigenous Kanak people with their seafaring legacy. Tikoure says the boats also promote the “opening of discussions” around ocean rights and ecological regulations.

Global Outreach

In July, he visited France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for ocean governance shaped with and by native populations that honor their connection to the ocean.

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

Canoes hold significant historical importance in New Caledonia. They once symbolised travel, exchange and family cooperations across islands, but those customs declined under colonial rule and religious conversion efforts.

Tradition Revival

His journey started in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was considering how to restore heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure collaborated with the administration and two years later the boat building initiative – known as Kenu Waan project – was launched.

“The most difficult aspect wasn’t cutting down trees, it was gaining local support,” he says.

Initiative Accomplishments

The program worked to bring back traditional navigation techniques, mentor apprentice constructors and use boat-building to reinforce traditional heritage and inter-island cooperation.

Up to now, the group has created a display, released a publication and enabled the construction or restoration of around 30 canoes – from the far south to Ponerihouen.

Natural Resources

In contrast to many other Pacific islands where forest clearing has reduced lumber availability, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for carving large hulls.

“Elsewhere, they often use marine plywood. In our location, we can still craft from natural timber,” he states. “That represents a significant advantage.”

The boats created under the Kenu Waan Project merge traditional boat forms with regional navigation methods.

Academic Integration

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been teaching maritime travel and ancestral craft methods at the local university.

“For the first time ever these subjects are included at advanced education. It’s not theory – these are experiences I’ve experienced. I’ve crossed oceans on these canoes. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness while accomplishing this.”

Pacific Partnerships

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

“Throughout the region, through various islands, this represents a unified effort,” he says. “We’re taking back the ocean as a community.”

Policy Advocacy

During the summer, Tikoure visited Nice, France to introduce a “Kanak vision of the sea” when he met with Macron and government representatives.

Addressing official and international delegates, he argued for shared maritime governance based on local practices and local engagement.

“It’s essential to include these communities – particularly those who live from fishing.”

Contemporary Evolution

Now, when mariners from throughout the region – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and Aotearoa – visit Lifou, they analyze boats in cooperation, refine the construction and finally navigate in unison.

“We don’t just copy the ancient designs, we make them evolve.”

Comprehensive Vision

In his view, teaching navigation and advocating environmental policy are connected.

“It’s all about public engagement: who has the right to navigate marine territories, and what authority governs what happens there? Traditional vessels serve as a method to start that conversation.”