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In October on Lifou island, a double-hulled canoe was launched into the turquoise waters – a simple gesture that signified a profoundly important moment.

It was the inaugural voyage of a ancestral vessel on Lifou in living memory, an gathering that assembled the island’s main family lineages in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was the driving force behind the launch. For the last eight years, he has spearheaded a initiative that seeks to restore heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Numerous traditional boats have been constructed in an initiative designed to reconnect local Kanak populations with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure explains the boats also facilitate the “opening of discussions” around ocean rights and environmental policies.

Global Outreach

This past July, he travelled to France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for ocean governance developed alongside and by local tribes that acknowledge their connection to the ocean.

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

Heritage boats hold profound traditional importance in New Caledonia. They once stood for movement, interaction and tribal partnerships across islands, but those traditions declined under colonisation and outside cultural pressures.

Cultural Reclamation

This mission started in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was exploring how to restore ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure partnered with the administration and after two years the canoe construction project – known as Kenu Waan project – was born.

“The most difficult aspect wasn’t harvesting timber, it was persuading communities,” he explains.

Program Successes

The initiative aimed to restore traditional navigation techniques, train young builders and use vessel construction to enhance community pride and regional collaboration.

To date, the organization has organized a showcase, issued a volume and enabled the building or renovation of approximately thirty vessels – from the southern region to the northern shoreline.

Natural Resources

In contrast to many other oceanic nations where deforestation has reduced lumber availability, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for crafting substantial vessels.

“Elsewhere, they often work with marine plywood. In our location, we can still carve solid logs,” he explains. “That represents all the difference.”

The boats created under the program combine oceanic vessel shapes with local sailing systems.

Educational Expansion

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been teaching maritime travel and traditional construction history at the educational institution.

“For the first time ever these topics are offered at master’s level. It goes beyond textbooks – this is knowledge I’ve lived. I’ve navigated major waters on these vessels. I’ve experienced profound emotion while accomplishing this.”

Regional Collaboration

He traveled with the crew of the traditional boat, the Fijian canoe that journeyed to Tonga for the oceanic conference in 2024.

“Across the Pacific, from Fiji to here, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he states. “We’re taking back the sea as a community.”

Governance Efforts

In July, Tikoure travelled to the European location to present a “Traditional understanding of the marine environment” when he conferred with Macron and government representatives.

In front of government and international delegates, he advocated for cooperative sea policies based on Indigenous traditions and community involvement.

“You have to involve local populations – especially people dependent on marine resources.”

Modern Adaptation

Today, when sailors from throughout the region – from Fiji, Micronesia and Aotearoa – visit Lifou, they analyze boats in cooperation, modify the design and finally navigate in unison.

“We don’t just copy the ancient designs, we help them develop.”

Integrated Mission

According to Tikoure, educating sailors and supporting ecological regulations are interrelated.

“The fundamental issue involves public engagement: who is entitled to travel ocean waters, and who determines what happens on it? Heritage boats is a way to initiate that discussion.”