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During the autumn month of October on Lifou island, a ancient-style canoe was pushed into the turquoise waters – a small act that signified a profoundly important moment.

It was the maiden journey of a heritage boat on Lifou in living memory, an event that brought together the island’s primary tribal groups in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Seafarer and campaigner Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the previous eight-year period, he has overseen a program that aims to revive heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been built in an initiative designed to reconnect local Kanak populations with their maritime heritage. Tikoure states the boats also help the “opening of discussions” around sea access rights and environmental policies.

Global Outreach

In July, he journeyed to France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for marine policies created in consultation with and by Indigenous communities that acknowledge their connection to the ocean.

“Forefathers always traveled by water. We forgot that knowledge for a while,” Tikoure says. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Traditional vessels hold profound traditional significance in New Caledonia. They once represented movement, trade and clan alliances across islands, but those practices faded under colonisation and religious conversion efforts.

Cultural Reclamation

His journey began in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was considering how to reintroduce heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure collaborated with the administration and two years later the boat building initiative – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was launched.

“The hardest part was not harvesting timber, it was persuading communities,” he notes.

Project Achievements

The Kenu Waan project aimed to restore ancestral sailing methods, mentor apprentice constructors and use boat-building to enhance community pride and island partnerships.

Up to now, the organization has created a display, released a publication and facilitated the creation or repair of around 30 canoes – from the far south to Ponerihouen.

Natural Resources

Different from many other Pacific islands where forest clearing has diminished timber supplies, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for crafting substantial vessels.

“Elsewhere, they often employ marine plywood. Locally, we can still work with whole trees,” he states. “That represents a crucial distinction.”

The boats created under the program integrate traditional boat forms with regional navigation methods.

Teaching Development

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been instructing maritime travel and traditional construction history at the local university.

“This marks the initial occasion these subjects are taught at graduate studies. This isn’t academic – it’s something I’ve lived. I’ve sailed vast distances on these canoes. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness doing it.”

Pacific Partnerships

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

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, including our location, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he states. “We’re reclaiming the maritime heritage collectively.”

Governance Efforts

In July, Tikoure visited Nice, France to present a “Kanak vision of the ocean” when he had discussions with Macron and additional officials.

In front of government and overseas representatives, he pushed for shared maritime governance based on Indigenous traditions and community involvement.

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

Current Development

Today, when mariners from throughout the region – from the Fijian islands, the Micronesian region and New Zealand – visit Lifou, they analyze boats collectively, refine the construction and ultimately sail side by side.

“We’re not simply replicating the traditional forms, we enable their progression.”

Holistic Approach

In his view, educating sailors and advocating environmental policy are connected.

“The fundamental issue involves how we involve people: who is entitled to travel ocean waters, and what authority governs what occurs on it? Traditional vessels serve as a method to begin that dialogue.”