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In October on Lifou, a double-hulled canoe was set afloat in the coastal lagoon – a seemingly minor event that marked a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the first launch of a heritage boat on Lifou in many decades, an occasion that united the island’s main family lineages in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Seafarer and campaigner Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the last eight years, he has led a program that works to resurrect traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been constructed in an effort designed to reconnect local Kanak populations with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure states the boats also facilitate the “opening of discussions” around maritime entitlements and conservation measures.

Diplomatic Efforts

In July, he travelled to France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for maritime regulations shaped with and by native populations that acknowledge their maritime heritage.

“Previous generations always navigated the ocean. We abandoned that practice for a while,” Tikoure says. “Now we’re finding it again.”

Traditional vessels hold profound traditional significance in New Caledonia. They once stood for movement, trade and tribal partnerships across islands, but those customs faded under colonisation and outside cultural pressures.

Cultural Reclamation

His journey began in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was looking at how to reintroduce ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure partnered with the government and two years later the vessel restoration program – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was born.

“The most difficult aspect was not wood collection, it was persuading communities,” he notes.

Project Achievements

The Kenu Waan project aimed to restore ancestral sailing methods, train young builders and use boat-building to reinforce traditional heritage and inter-island cooperation.

Up to now, the organization has created a display, released a publication and supported the construction or restoration of nearly three dozen boats – from Goro to the northern shoreline.

Resource Benefits

Different from many other oceanic nations where tree loss has limited lumber availability, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for crafting substantial vessels.

“There, they often work with marine plywood. Here, we can still work with whole trees,” he says. “This creates a crucial distinction.”

The canoes created under the initiative merge Polynesian hull design with Melanesian rigging.

Teaching Development

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been educating students in maritime travel and ancestral craft methods at the local university.

“This marks the initial occasion these topics are taught at graduate studies. This isn’t academic – it’s something I’ve lived. I’ve sailed vast distances on traditional boats. I’ve cried tears of joy while accomplishing this.”

Regional Collaboration

Tikoure sailed with the team of the Uto ni Yalo, the Fijian canoe that traveled to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“Across the Pacific, from Fiji to here, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he explains. “We’re reclaiming the sea together.”

Political Engagement

During the summer, Tikoure visited Nice, France to introduce a “Kanak vision of the marine environment” when he met with Macron and other leaders.

In front of government and international delegates, he argued for shared maritime governance based on Indigenous traditions and participation.

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

Current Development

Currently, when mariners from across the Pacific – from Fiji, Micronesia and Aotearoa – come to Lifou, they analyze boats together, adjust the structure and eventually sail side by side.

“It’s not about duplicating the ancient designs, we help them develop.”

Holistic Approach

For Tikoure, instructing mariners and supporting ecological regulations are linked.

“It’s all about how we involve people: what permissions exist to navigate marine territories, and what authority governs which activities take place in these waters? Traditional vessels serve as a method to start that conversation.”