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In October on Lifou island, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was set afloat in the coastal lagoon – a simple gesture that marked a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the first launch of a heritage boat on Lifou in generations, an gathering that brought together the island’s three chiefly clans in a uncommon display of togetherness.

Seafarer and campaigner Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the previous eight-year period, he has led a program that seeks to restore heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Numerous traditional boats have been crafted in an effort intended to reunite native Kanak communities with their maritime heritage. Tikoure says the boats also facilitate the “opening of discussions” around sea access rights and conservation measures.

Global Outreach

During the summer month of July, he travelled to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for ocean governance shaped with and by native populations that acknowledge their maritime heritage.

“Forefathers always navigated the ocean. We abandoned that practice for a while,” Tikoure states. “Now we’re finding it again.”

Canoes hold profound traditional significance in New Caledonia. They once stood for travel, interaction and tribal partnerships across islands, but those customs declined under colonial rule and outside cultural pressures.

Tradition Revival

The initiative started in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was considering how to reintroduce ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure partnered with the administration and following a two-year period the canoe construction project – known as Project Kenu Waan – was launched.

“The most difficult aspect didn’t involve harvesting timber, it was gaining local support,” he explains.

Program Successes

The program aimed to restore traditional navigation techniques, train young builders and use canoe-making to reinforce traditional heritage and inter-island cooperation.

So far, the team has produced an exhibition, released a publication and supported the creation or repair of approximately thirty vessels – from the far south to the northern shoreline.

Material Advantages

Unlike many other Pacific islands where deforestation has diminished lumber availability, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for carving large hulls.

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

The boats constructed under the Kenu Waan Project merge traditional boat forms with Melanesian rigging.

Academic Integration

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been instructing seafaring and ancestral craft methods at the educational institution.

“It’s the first time these subjects are included at master’s level. It goes beyond textbooks – these are experiences I’ve lived. I’ve navigated major waters on traditional boats. I’ve cried tears of joy during these journeys.”

Pacific Partnerships

He voyaged with the team of the Fijian vessel, the Pacific vessel that journeyed to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“Across the Pacific, from Fiji to here, it’s the same movement,” he states. “We’re reclaiming the ocean together.”

Policy Advocacy

In July, Tikoure journeyed to Nice, France to introduce a “Traditional understanding of the sea” when he met with Macron and additional officials.

Before state and overseas representatives, he advocated for shared maritime governance based on local practices and community involvement.

“It’s essential to include them – most importantly those who live from fishing.”

Contemporary Evolution

Today, when navigators from across the Pacific – from Fiji, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – arrive in Lifou, they examine vessels collectively, refine the construction and eventually navigate in unison.

“It’s not about duplicating the old models, we enable their progression.”

Integrated Mission

According to Tikoure, educating sailors and promoting conservation measures are linked.

“The core concept concerns public engagement: what permissions exist to travel ocean waters, and who determines which activities take place there? The canoe function as a means to begin that dialogue.”