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This past October on Lifou, a ancient-style canoe was launched into the turquoise waters – a small act that represented a profoundly important moment.

It was the maiden journey of a traditional canoe on Lifou in generations, an gathering that united the island’s main family lineages in a rare show of unity.

Seafarer and campaigner Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the previous eight-year period, he has spearheaded a project that seeks to restore traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been crafted in an effort designed to reconnect native Kanak communities with their seafaring legacy. Tikoure says the boats also promote the “opening of discussions” around maritime entitlements and conservation measures.

International Advocacy

In July, he journeyed to France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for marine policies shaped with and by native populations that acknowledge their relationship with the sea.

“Our ancestors always navigated the ocean. We lost that for a while,” Tikoure explains. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Heritage boats hold significant historical meaning in New Caledonia. They once represented movement, interaction and tribal partnerships across islands, but those traditions faded under colonisation and outside cultural pressures.

Heritage Restoration

This mission started in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was looking at how to bring back heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure partnered with the government and after two years the boat building initiative – known as Project Kenu Waan – was established.

“The hardest part didn’t involve cutting down trees, it was persuading communities,” he explains.

Program Successes

The program aimed to restore heritage voyaging practices, educate new craftspeople and use canoe-making to enhance community pride and inter-island cooperation.

Up to now, the organization has produced an exhibition, released a publication and facilitated the building or renovation of nearly three dozen boats – from the southern region to Ponerihouen.

Material Advantages

Different from many other oceanic nations where forest clearing has reduced timber supplies, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for constructing major boats.

“In other places, they often use modern composites. Here, we can still craft from natural timber,” he explains. “That represents a crucial distinction.”

The boats created under the Kenu Waan Project combine oceanic vessel shapes with regional navigation methods.

Teaching Development

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been educating students in navigation and traditional construction history at the University of New Caledonia.

“It’s the first time this knowledge are included at graduate studies. This isn’t academic – these are experiences I’ve lived. I’ve navigated major waters on these vessels. I’ve experienced profound emotion while accomplishing this.”

Regional Collaboration

Tikoure sailed with the team of the traditional boat, the Pacific vessel that sailed to Tonga for the oceanic conference in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, including our location, this represents a unified effort,” he says. “We’re restoring the maritime heritage collectively.”

Political Engagement

In July, Tikoure travelled to the French city to introduce a “Traditional understanding of the sea” when he conferred with Macron and additional officials.

Addressing official and overseas representatives, he advocated for collaborative ocean management based on local practices and participation.

“We must engage these communities – most importantly people dependent on marine resources.”

Current Development

Now, when mariners from throughout the region – from Fiji, the Micronesian region and New Zealand – come to Lifou, they examine vessels together, adjust the structure and ultimately voyage together.

“We’re not simply replicating the traditional forms, we make them evolve.”

Comprehensive Vision

For Tikoure, teaching navigation and promoting conservation measures are linked.

“The core concept concerns how we involve people: who has the right to navigate marine territories, and who decides which activities take place on it? The canoe serve as a method to initiate that discussion.”