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In October on Lifou, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was set afloat in the lagoon – a simple gesture that signified a profoundly important moment.

It was the maiden journey of a ancestral vessel on Lifou in living memory, an event that united the island’s three chiefly clans in a uncommon display of togetherness.

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the previous eight-year period, he has led a initiative that aims to revive heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been crafted in an effort designed to reconnect local Kanak populations with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure states the boats also facilitate the “beginning of dialogue” around sea access rights and conservation measures.

Diplomatic Efforts

In July, he travelled to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for marine policies shaped with and by Indigenous communities that acknowledge their connection to the ocean.

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

Traditional vessels hold significant historical importance in New Caledonia. They once represented travel, exchange and tribal partnerships across islands, but those practices diminished under foreign occupation and religious conversion efforts.

Heritage Restoration

This mission commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was considering how to reintroduce traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure collaborated with the administration and following a two-year period the vessel restoration program – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was born.

“The biggest challenge wasn’t cutting down trees, it was persuading communities,” he explains.

Program Successes

The Kenu Waan project aimed to restore heritage voyaging practices, train young builders and use boat-building to strengthen traditional heritage and inter-island cooperation.

Up to now, the team has produced an exhibition, published a book and facilitated the construction or restoration of around 30 canoes – from Goro to Ponerihouen.

Material Advantages

Different from many other oceanic nations where deforestation has limited lumber availability, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for crafting substantial vessels.

“In other places, they often work with synthetic materials. Here, we can still work with whole trees,” he states. “This creates a crucial distinction.”

The canoes created under the Kenu Waan Project combine traditional boat forms with regional navigation methods.

Educational Expansion

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

“It’s the first time these subjects are included at advanced education. It’s not theory – this is knowledge I’ve lived. I’ve navigated major waters on traditional boats. I’ve cried tears of joy doing it.”

Island Cooperation

Tikoure sailed with the members of the Fijian vessel, the heritage craft that sailed to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“Across the Pacific, from Fiji to here, this represents a unified effort,” he states. “We’re reclaiming the ocean together.”

Governance Efforts

During the summer, Tikoure journeyed to Nice, France to present a “Kanak vision of the sea” when he had discussions with Macron and additional officials.

Addressing official and overseas representatives, he argued for shared maritime governance based on Kanak custom and local engagement.

“You have to involve these communities – most importantly people dependent on marine resources.”

Current Development

Today, when sailors from various island nations – from Fiji, Micronesia and New Zealand – visit Lifou, they study canoes together, refine the construction and ultimately voyage together.

“We’re not simply replicating the ancient designs, we help them develop.”

Integrated Mission

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

“The fundamental issue involves how we involve people: who is entitled to navigate marine territories, and who determines which activities take place on it? Traditional vessels is a way to start that conversation.”