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In October on Lifou island, a double-hulled canoe was launched into the lagoon – a simple gesture that marked a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the inaugural voyage of a heritage boat on Lifou in many decades, an event that united the island’s primary tribal groups in a uncommon display of togetherness.

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the last eight years, he has led a program that aims to revive heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been constructed in an effort intended to reunite local Kanak populations with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure says the boats also help the “opening of discussions” around sea access rights and environmental policies.

International Advocacy

In July, he visited France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for marine policies created in consultation with and by local tribes that acknowledge their maritime heritage.

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

Traditional vessels hold deep cultural importance in New Caledonia. They once stood for travel, interaction and family cooperations across islands, but those customs faded under colonial rule and missionary influences.

Tradition Revival

The initiative began in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was considering how to reintroduce heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure partnered with the administration and two years later the boat building initiative – known as Kenu Waan project – was born.

“The biggest challenge wasn’t cutting down trees, it was convincing people,” he notes.

Project Achievements

The initiative sought to revive ancestral sailing methods, educate new craftspeople and use canoe-making to strengthen community pride and regional collaboration.

Up to now, the team has organized a showcase, released a publication and facilitated the construction or restoration of approximately thirty vessels – from the southern region to the northern shoreline.

Material Advantages

Unlike many other island territories where deforestation has diminished timber supplies, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for constructing major boats.

“In other places, they often employ modern composites. Locally, we can still work with whole trees,” he says. “This creates all the difference.”

The vessels constructed under the Kenu Waan Project combine oceanic vessel shapes with Melanesian rigging.

Educational Expansion

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been instructing seafaring and heritage building techniques at the local university.

“For the first time ever these topics are taught at graduate studies. It’s not theory – it’s something I’ve experienced. I’ve sailed vast distances on traditional boats. I’ve cried tears of joy while accomplishing this.”

Island Cooperation

He voyaged with the members of the traditional boat, the Pacific vessel that sailed to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“Throughout the region, from Fiji to here, it’s the same movement,” he states. “We’re reclaiming the sea as a community.”

Policy Advocacy

This past July, Tikoure journeyed to the French city to share a “Indigenous perspective of the marine environment” when he had discussions with Macron and additional officials.

Addressing official and international delegates, he advocated for shared maritime governance based on Kanak custom and local engagement.

“We must engage these communities – particularly people dependent on marine resources.”

Contemporary Evolution

Today, when navigators from throughout the region – from Fiji, Micronesia and New Zealand – come to Lifou, they examine vessels collectively, adjust the structure and finally sail side by side.

“We’re not simply replicating the old models, we make them evolve.”

Integrated Mission

For Tikoure, teaching navigation and supporting ecological regulations are linked.

“It’s all about how we involve people: who is entitled to travel ocean waters, and who decides which activities take place on it? Heritage boats function as a means to begin that dialogue.”