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This past October on the island of Lifou, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was launched into the lagoon – a simple gesture that marked a highly meaningful moment.

It was the first launch of a heritage boat on Lifou in generations, an gathering that united the island’s main family lineages in a uncommon display of togetherness.

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

Many heritage vessels have been built in an project aimed at reconnecting native Kanak communities with their seafaring legacy. Tikoure says the boats also promote the “opening of discussions” around ocean rights and ecological regulations.

International Advocacy

During the summer month of July, he travelled to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for marine policies developed alongside and by Indigenous communities that acknowledge their relationship with the sea.

“Previous generations always traveled by water. We lost that for a while,” Tikoure says. “Now we’re finding it again.”

Canoes hold deep cultural significance in New Caledonia. They once represented mobility, exchange and tribal partnerships across islands, but those traditions declined under colonisation and missionary influences.

Heritage Restoration

The initiative started in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was considering how to bring back traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure collaborated with the authorities and following a two-year period the boat building initiative – known as Kenu Waan project – was born.

“The most difficult aspect wasn’t harvesting timber, it was convincing people,” he says.

Initiative Accomplishments

The program sought to revive heritage voyaging practices, educate new craftspeople and use canoe-making to strengthen traditional heritage and island partnerships.

So far, the organization has produced an exhibition, published a book and facilitated the creation or repair of nearly three dozen boats – from the far south to Ponerihouen.

Resource Benefits

In contrast to many other oceanic nations where tree loss has limited wood resources, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for crafting substantial vessels.

“In other places, they often work with marine plywood. Locally, we can still carve solid logs,” he states. “It makes a crucial distinction.”

The canoes constructed under the program integrate Polynesian hull design with local sailing systems.

Educational Expansion

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been instructing seafaring and traditional construction history at the local university.

“For the first time ever these subjects are included at graduate studies. It’s not theory – it’s something I’ve lived. I’ve crossed oceans on traditional boats. I’ve experienced profound emotion while accomplishing this.”

Island Cooperation

He traveled with the crew of the Uto ni Yalo, the heritage craft that sailed to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, including our location, it’s the same movement,” he states. “We’re reclaiming the maritime heritage collectively.”

Governance Efforts

During the summer, Tikoure journeyed to the French city to present a “Kanak vision of the marine environment” when he had discussions with Macron and other leaders.

Before state and international delegates, he pushed for shared maritime governance based on Indigenous traditions and community involvement.

“It’s essential to include these communities – especially people dependent on marine resources.”

Modern Adaptation

Today, when navigators from across the Pacific – from the Fijian islands, the Micronesian region and New Zealand – come to Lifou, they examine vessels collectively, refine the construction and eventually voyage together.

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

Comprehensive Vision

For Tikoure, educating sailors and supporting ecological regulations are linked.

“The fundamental issue involves public engagement: who has the right to navigate marine territories, and who decides which activities take place in these waters? The canoe function as a means to begin that dialogue.”