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This past October on Lifou, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was pushed into the coastal lagoon – a small act that marked a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the inaugural voyage of a ancestral vessel on Lifou in generations, an event that united 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 last eight years, he has led a initiative that seeks to restore heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been built in an initiative intended to reunite local Kanak populations with their maritime heritage. Tikoure says the boats also help the “opening of discussions” around maritime entitlements and conservation measures.

Global Outreach

This past July, he journeyed to France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for maritime regulations created in consultation with and by Indigenous communities that acknowledge their relationship with the sea.

“Previous generations always navigated the ocean. We lost that for a period,” Tikoure states. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Heritage boats hold significant historical importance in New Caledonia. They once stood for movement, interaction and family cooperations across islands, but those practices faded under colonisation and religious conversion efforts.

Cultural Reclamation

His journey started in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was exploring how to reintroduce heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure partnered with the administration and after two years the boat building initiative – known as Kenu Waan project – was launched.

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

Project Achievements

The initiative sought to revive traditional navigation techniques, educate new craftspeople and use boat-building to reinforce traditional heritage and island partnerships.

So far, the team has produced an exhibition, released a publication and enabled the building or renovation of around 30 canoes – from Goro to the northeastern coast.

Resource Benefits

Different from many other Pacific islands where forest clearing has diminished lumber availability, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for carving large hulls.

“Elsewhere, they often work with synthetic materials. In our location, we can still craft from natural timber,” he states. “It makes a significant advantage.”

The canoes created under the Kenu Waan Project integrate Polynesian hull design with regional navigation methods.

Teaching Development

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been educating students in maritime travel and ancestral craft methods at the educational institution.

“It’s the first time these subjects are offered at advanced education. It goes beyond textbooks – these are experiences I’ve experienced. I’ve crossed oceans on traditional boats. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness while accomplishing this.”

Regional Collaboration

Tikoure sailed with the team of the Fijian vessel, the heritage craft that traveled to Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, through various islands, this represents a unified effort,” he explains. “We’re taking back the maritime heritage as a community.”

Governance Efforts

This past July, Tikoure journeyed to Nice, France to share a “Kanak vision of the marine environment” when he had discussions with Macron and other leaders.

Addressing official and overseas representatives, he argued for collaborative ocean management based on Kanak custom and participation.

“You have to involve them – particularly fishing communities.”

Current Development

Now, when sailors from across the Pacific – from the Fijian islands, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – visit Lifou, they examine vessels in cooperation, adjust the structure and ultimately voyage together.

“We’re not simply replicating the old models, we enable their progression.”

Holistic Approach

For Tikoure, instructing mariners and supporting ecological regulations are interrelated.

“The fundamental issue involves how we involve people: who is entitled to navigate marine territories, and who determines what occurs on it? Heritage boats function as a means to begin that dialogue.”