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In October on Lifou island, a ancient-style canoe was set afloat in the lagoon – a seemingly minor event that represented a highly meaningful moment.

It was the first launch of a heritage boat on Lifou in many decades, an occasion that assembled the island’s primary tribal groups in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

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

Dozens of canoes have been constructed in an initiative designed to reconnect local Kanak populations with their seafaring legacy. Tikoure says the boats also help the “opening of discussions” around sea access rights and conservation measures.

International Advocacy

During the summer month of July, he travelled to France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for maritime regulations developed alongside and by Indigenous communities that acknowledge their connection to the ocean.

“Previous generations always traveled by water. We abandoned that practice for a time,” Tikoure states. “Today we’re reclaiming it again.”

Traditional vessels hold significant historical importance in New Caledonia. They once stood for travel, exchange and clan alliances across islands, but those traditions declined under colonisation and missionary influences.

Heritage Restoration

This mission began in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was looking at how to restore heritage vessel construction methods. 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 didn’t involve harvesting timber, it was persuading communities,” he notes.

Project Achievements

The Kenu Waan project sought to revive ancestral sailing methods, mentor apprentice constructors and use vessel construction to enhance cultural identity and island partnerships.

So far, the organization has produced an exhibition, issued a volume and supported the construction or restoration of around 30 canoes – from the far south to Ponerihouen.

Natural Resources

Different from many other island territories where forest clearing has limited wood resources, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for constructing major boats.

“In other places, they often employ synthetic materials. Locally, we can still craft from natural timber,” he explains. “It makes all the difference.”

The vessels built under the initiative merge Polynesian hull design with regional navigation methods.

Educational Expansion

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

“It’s the first time these topics are offered at graduate studies. It goes beyond textbooks – this is knowledge I’ve lived. I’ve navigated major waters on these canoes. I’ve cried tears of joy while accomplishing this.”

Regional Collaboration

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

“Across the Pacific, including our location, it’s the same movement,” he states. “We’re restoring the ocean collectively.”

Political Engagement

This past July, Tikoure visited Nice, France to introduce a “Indigenous perspective of the ocean” when he conferred with Macron and additional officials.

Before state and international delegates, he advocated for shared maritime governance based on Kanak custom and community involvement.

“You have to involve these communities – especially fishing communities.”

Modern Adaptation

Currently, when sailors from across the Pacific – from the Fijian islands, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – come to Lifou, they examine vessels in cooperation, modify the design and ultimately navigate in unison.

“We’re not simply replicating the ancient designs, we enable their progression.”

Holistic Approach

For Tikoure, educating sailors and promoting conservation measures are interrelated.

“The fundamental issue involves community participation: what permissions exist to travel ocean waters, and what authority governs what occurs on it? Heritage boats function as a means to initiate that discussion.”