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This past October on Lifou island, a ancient-style canoe was set afloat in the turquoise waters – a seemingly minor event that represented a highly meaningful moment.

It was the inaugural voyage of a heritage boat on Lifou in living memory, an event that united the island’s primary tribal groups in a rare show of unity.

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the past eight years, he has led a initiative that aims to revive heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Numerous traditional boats have been built in an project aimed at reconnecting local Kanak populations with their maritime heritage. Tikoure states the boats also facilitate the “opening of discussions” around ocean rights and conservation measures.

Global Outreach

In July, he journeyed to France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for marine policies shaped with and by Indigenous communities that recognise their relationship with the sea.

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

Traditional vessels hold profound traditional importance in New Caledonia. They once symbolised movement, trade and family cooperations across islands, but those customs declined under colonial rule and outside cultural pressures.

Heritage Restoration

This mission commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was looking at how to bring back traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure collaborated with the administration and two years later the vessel restoration program – known as Project Kenu Waan – was born.

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

Initiative Accomplishments

The program sought to revive traditional navigation techniques, train young builders and use canoe-making to enhance cultural identity and island partnerships.

Up to now, the team has produced an exhibition, released a publication and facilitated the building or renovation of around 30 canoes – from the southern region to Ponerihouen.

Natural Resources

Unlike many other Pacific islands where deforestation has diminished timber supplies, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for crafting substantial vessels.

“Elsewhere, they often work with marine plywood. In our location, we can still craft from natural timber,” he says. “This creates a crucial distinction.”

The canoes built under the initiative integrate traditional boat forms with regional navigation methods.

Academic Integration

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been instructing seafaring and heritage building techniques at the local university.

“For the first time ever these subjects are taught at advanced education. It’s not theory – it’s something I’ve experienced. I’ve sailed vast distances on these vessels. I’ve cried tears of joy while accomplishing this.”

Regional Collaboration

Tikoure sailed with the team of the Uto ni Yalo, the heritage craft that journeyed to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, including our location, this represents a unified effort,” he states. “We’re reclaiming the maritime heritage as a community.”

Policy Advocacy

This past July, Tikoure visited Nice, France to present a “Traditional understanding of the ocean” when he conferred with Macron and additional officials.

Addressing official and foreign officials, he pushed for shared maritime governance based on local practices and participation.

“You have to involve these communities – particularly fishing communities.”

Contemporary Evolution

Now, when mariners from throughout the region – from Fiji, Micronesia and Aotearoa – arrive in Lifou, they analyze boats in cooperation, adjust the structure and ultimately navigate in unison.

“We’re not simply replicating the old models, we make them evolve.”

Holistic Approach

For Tikoure, educating sailors and supporting ecological regulations are connected.

“It’s all about community participation: what permissions exist to move across the sea, and who decides what occurs there? The canoe is a way to begin that dialogue.”