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During the autumn month of October on Lifou, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was pushed into the lagoon – a seemingly minor event that marked a profoundly important moment.

It was the first launch of a ancestral vessel on Lifou in living memory, an occasion that brought together the island’s three chiefly clans in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was the driving force behind the launch. For the previous eight-year period, he has spearheaded a program that works to resurrect traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been constructed in an project intended to reunite Indigenous Kanak people with their seafaring legacy. Tikoure explains the boats also facilitate the “start of conversation” around ocean rights and conservation measures.

Diplomatic Efforts

During the summer month of July, he journeyed to France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for ocean governance created in consultation with and by local tribes that honor their connection to the ocean.

“Forefathers always navigated the ocean. We abandoned that practice for a while,” Tikoure says. “Today we’re reclaiming it again.”

Heritage boats hold significant historical importance in New Caledonia. They once stood for movement, exchange and tribal partnerships across islands, but those traditions declined under foreign occupation and religious conversion efforts.

Tradition Revival

The initiative began in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was looking at how to reintroduce heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure partnered with the administration and two years later the boat building initiative – known as Kenu Waan project – was born.

“The biggest challenge didn’t involve cutting down trees, it was persuading communities,” he says.

Project Achievements

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

To date, the organization has produced an exhibition, issued a volume and facilitated the building or renovation of approximately thirty vessels – from the southern region to the northeastern coast.

Resource Benefits

Different from many other Pacific islands where tree loss has reduced timber supplies, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for carving large hulls.

“There, they often use modern composites. Here, we can still craft from natural timber,” he states. “That represents a crucial distinction.”

The canoes created under the program integrate traditional boat forms with local sailing systems.

Academic Integration

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been instructing seafaring and traditional construction history at the University of New Caledonia.

“For the first time ever these topics are offered at advanced education. It’s not theory – these are experiences I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve navigated major waters on these canoes. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness during these journeys.”

Pacific Partnerships

He traveled with the team of the Fijian vessel, the Pacific vessel that sailed to Tonga for the oceanic conference in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, from Fiji to here, it’s the same movement,” he states. “We’re taking back the maritime heritage collectively.”

Political Engagement

During the summer, Tikoure journeyed to the French city to present a “Indigenous perspective of the sea” when he met with Macron and other leaders.

In front of government and international delegates, he pushed for cooperative sea policies based on Kanak custom and community involvement.

“You have to involve them – most importantly fishing communities.”

Contemporary Evolution

Currently, when mariners from various island nations – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and New Zealand – visit Lifou, they study canoes together, modify the design and finally navigate in unison.

“We don’t just copy the old models, we help them develop.”

Integrated Mission

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

“The fundamental issue involves public engagement: who has the right to navigate marine territories, and what authority governs what occurs there? Heritage boats function as a means to begin that dialogue.”