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

It was the maiden journey of a traditional canoe on Lifou in living memory, an occasion that brought together the island’s primary tribal groups in a uncommon display of togetherness.

Seafarer and campaigner Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the last eight years, he has spearheaded a program that seeks to restore traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been built in an project intended to reunite native Kanak communities with their seafaring legacy. 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 conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for ocean governance developed alongside and by native populations that honor their maritime heritage.

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

Canoes hold profound traditional significance in New Caledonia. They once symbolised movement, trade and tribal partnerships across islands, but those customs faded under colonial rule and outside cultural pressures.

Cultural Reclamation

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

“The hardest part didn’t involve harvesting timber, it was gaining local support,” he explains.

Initiative Accomplishments

The Kenu Waan project sought to revive ancestral sailing methods, train young builders and use vessel construction to enhance traditional heritage and island partnerships.

To date, the group has produced an exhibition, released a publication and enabled the creation or repair of around 30 canoes – from the far south to the northern shoreline.

Resource Benefits

In contrast to many other oceanic nations where forest clearing has limited lumber availability, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for crafting substantial vessels.

“Elsewhere, they often use synthetic materials. Locally, we can still craft from natural timber,” he says. “This creates a significant advantage.”

The vessels built under the Kenu Waan Project combine oceanic vessel shapes with local sailing systems.

Teaching Development

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been educating students in seafaring 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 – this is knowledge I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve navigated major waters on these vessels. I’ve cried tears of joy during these journeys.”

Pacific Partnerships

Tikoure sailed with the members of the traditional boat, the Pacific vessel that traveled to Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2024.

“Across the Pacific, including our location, it’s the same movement,” he explains. “We’re restoring the sea as a community.”

Policy Advocacy

This past July, Tikoure visited Nice, France to present a “Traditional understanding of the marine environment” when he met with Macron and other leaders.

Before state and international delegates, he argued for shared maritime governance based on Kanak custom and community involvement.

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

Current Development

Currently, when sailors from various island nations – from Fiji, Micronesia and New Zealand – visit Lifou, they analyze boats together, modify the design and finally voyage together.

“We don’t just copy the old models, we enable their progression.”

Holistic Approach

For Tikoure, instructing mariners and promoting conservation measures are connected.

“The core concept concerns how we involve people: who is entitled to travel ocean waters, and who determines what happens on it? Heritage boats is a way to initiate that discussion.”