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In October on the island of Lifou, a ancient-style canoe was pushed into the lagoon – a small act that marked a profoundly important moment.

It was the first launch of a heritage boat on Lifou in living memory, an gathering that united the island’s primary tribal groups in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Seafarer and campaigner Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the past eight years, he has led a program that works to resurrect heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Numerous traditional boats have been crafted in an initiative intended to reunite native Kanak communities with their maritime heritage. Tikoure states the boats also promote the “opening of discussions” around ocean rights and conservation measures.

Global Outreach

In July, he travelled to France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for maritime regulations created in consultation with and by native populations that recognise their maritime heritage.

“Forefathers always crossed the sea. We forgot that knowledge for a period,” Tikoure says. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Heritage boats hold profound traditional meaning in New Caledonia. They once symbolised mobility, trade and family cooperations across islands, but those traditions declined under colonial rule and outside cultural pressures.

Tradition Revival

His journey began in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was looking at how to restore heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure collaborated with the authorities and two years later the vessel restoration program – known as Kenu Waan project – was launched.

“The hardest part didn’t involve cutting down trees, it was convincing people,” he notes.

Initiative Accomplishments

The Kenu Waan project sought to revive ancestral sailing methods, mentor apprentice constructors and use vessel construction to strengthen community pride and inter-island cooperation.

To date, the team has created a display, released a publication and supported the construction or restoration of nearly three dozen boats – from the southern region to the northeastern coast.

Material Advantages

In contrast to many other Pacific islands where deforestation has reduced lumber availability, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for carving large hulls.

“There, they often employ marine plywood. In our location, we can still craft from natural timber,” he says. “This creates all the difference.”

The boats constructed under the program merge Polynesian hull design with Melanesian rigging.

Teaching Development

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been instructing navigation and ancestral craft methods at the University of New Caledonia.

“It’s the first time this knowledge are taught at graduate studies. This isn’t academic – these are experiences I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve sailed vast distances on these canoes. I’ve experienced profound emotion during these journeys.”

Island Cooperation

He voyaged with the members of the Uto ni Yalo, the Fijian canoe that journeyed to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

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

Policy Advocacy

This past July, Tikoure visited the European location to share a “Kanak vision of the ocean” when he had discussions with Macron and other leaders.

Addressing official and international delegates, he pushed for shared maritime governance based on Kanak custom and community involvement.

“It’s essential to include them – especially people dependent on marine resources.”

Contemporary Evolution

Now, when mariners from across the Pacific – from Fiji, Micronesia and New Zealand – arrive in Lifou, they analyze boats together, modify the design and eventually voyage together.

“We’re not simply replicating the traditional forms, we help them develop.”

Comprehensive Vision

For Tikoure, teaching navigation and advocating environmental policy are linked.

“The fundamental issue involves how we involve people: what permissions exist to navigate marine territories, and what authority governs what happens on it? The canoe is a way to initiate that discussion.”