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During the autumn month of October on Lifou, a ancient-style canoe was pushed into the lagoon – a small act that signified a highly meaningful moment.

It was the maiden journey of a traditional canoe on Lifou in living memory, an occasion that assembled the island’s three chiefly clans in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Seafarer and campaigner Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the past eight years, he has spearheaded a initiative that works to resurrect ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Numerous traditional boats have been constructed in an effort designed to reconnect local Kanak populations with their maritime heritage. Tikoure says the boats also promote the “beginning of dialogue” around maritime entitlements and conservation measures.

Global Outreach

During the summer month of July, he travelled to France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for maritime regulations shaped with and by Indigenous communities that honor their maritime heritage.

“Forefathers always crossed the sea. We abandoned that practice for a period,” Tikoure says. “Today we’re reclaiming it again.”

Canoes hold profound traditional significance in New Caledonia. They once stood for travel, trade and tribal partnerships across islands, but those customs faded under foreign occupation and outside cultural pressures.

Tradition Revival

His journey commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was considering how to bring back ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure partnered with the administration and after two years the vessel restoration program – known as Kenu Waan project – was born.

“The biggest challenge was not wood collection, it was convincing people,” he explains.

Project Achievements

The Kenu Waan project aimed to restore heritage voyaging practices, train young builders and use vessel construction to enhance traditional heritage and inter-island cooperation.

So far, the team has produced an exhibition, published a book and supported the building or renovation of approximately thirty vessels – from Goro to Ponerihouen.

Resource Benefits

Different from many other oceanic nations where tree loss has limited lumber availability, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for carving large hulls.

“In other places, they often work with modern composites. Locally, we can still carve solid logs,” he explains. “It makes all the difference.”

The vessels built under the program integrate traditional boat forms with regional navigation methods.

Educational Expansion

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been educating students in maritime travel and heritage building techniques at the educational institution.

“For the first time ever these topics are offered at advanced education. It’s not theory – these are experiences I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve sailed vast distances on these vessels. I’ve cried tears of joy while accomplishing this.”

Island Cooperation

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

“Throughout the region, from Fiji to here, this represents a unified effort,” he says. “We’re restoring the ocean collectively.”

Policy Advocacy

In July, Tikoure visited the European location to present a “Traditional understanding of the ocean” when he had discussions with Macron and other leaders.

Addressing official and international delegates, he argued for shared maritime governance based on Indigenous traditions and participation.

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

Modern Adaptation

Now, when navigators from various island nations – from Fiji, Micronesia and New Zealand – come to Lifou, they study canoes collectively, refine the construction and ultimately sail side by side.

“It’s not about duplicating the old models, we help them develop.”

Holistic Approach

According to Tikoure, educating sailors and supporting ecological regulations are connected.

“The core concept concerns public engagement: who has the right to travel ocean waters, and who determines what occurs on it? Heritage boats is a way to begin that dialogue.”