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During the autumn month of October on the island of Lifou, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was pushed into the coastal lagoon – a simple gesture that signified a profoundly important moment.

It was the maiden journey of a traditional canoe on Lifou in living memory, an gathering that assembled 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 initiative that aims to revive ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been built in an project aimed at reconnecting Indigenous Kanak people with their maritime heritage. Tikoure states the boats also promote the “start of conversation” around maritime entitlements and ecological regulations.

Diplomatic Efforts

In July, he visited France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for marine policies developed alongside and by local tribes that acknowledge their relationship with the sea.

“Our ancestors always navigated the ocean. We abandoned that practice for a while,” Tikoure states. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Canoes hold profound traditional significance in New Caledonia. They once represented mobility, trade and family cooperations across islands, but those practices declined under colonisation and missionary influences.

Cultural Reclamation

The initiative started in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was considering how to bring back ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure partnered with the authorities and following a two-year period the boat building initiative – known as Kenu Waan project – was established.

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

Project Achievements

The Kenu Waan project worked to bring back ancestral sailing methods, train young builders and use canoe-making to strengthen traditional heritage and island partnerships.

Up to now, the organization has produced an exhibition, published a book and facilitated the creation or repair of nearly three dozen boats – from the southern region to Ponerihouen.

Material Advantages

In contrast to many other Pacific islands where forest clearing has diminished lumber availability, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for crafting substantial vessels.

“There, they often employ synthetic materials. Locally, we can still carve solid logs,” he says. “That represents a crucial distinction.”

The vessels created under the program combine oceanic vessel shapes with local sailing systems.

Teaching Development

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been educating students in maritime travel and heritage building techniques at the educational institution.

“This marks the initial occasion these subjects are taught at graduate studies. It goes beyond textbooks – it’s something I’ve experienced. I’ve navigated major waters on traditional boats. I’ve cried tears of joy during these journeys.”

Pacific Partnerships

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

“Across the Pacific, including our location, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he states. “We’re restoring the maritime heritage collectively.”

Governance Efforts

During the summer, Tikoure visited the French city to introduce a “Kanak vision of the ocean” when he met with Macron and other leaders.

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

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

Current Development

Today, when navigators from across the Pacific – from Fiji, the Micronesian region and New Zealand – come to Lifou, they analyze boats collectively, refine the construction and ultimately sail side by side.

“We’re not simply replicating the old models, we help them develop.”

Comprehensive Vision

According to Tikoure, educating sailors and advocating environmental policy are linked.

“The fundamental issue involves community participation: who is entitled to navigate marine territories, and who decides what happens there? Traditional vessels serve as a method to begin that dialogue.”