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This past October on the island of Lifou, a ancient-style canoe was launched into the coastal lagoon – a simple gesture that represented a deeply symbolic 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 instrumental in the launch. For the previous eight-year period, he has spearheaded a program that works to resurrect heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been crafted in an initiative designed to reconnect Indigenous Kanak people with their maritime heritage. Tikoure states the boats also promote the “beginning of dialogue” around maritime entitlements and conservation measures.

Diplomatic Efforts

In July, he journeyed to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for ocean governance developed alongside and by local tribes that honor their relationship with the sea.

“Forefathers always navigated the ocean. We lost that for a time,” Tikoure states. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Traditional vessels hold profound traditional importance in New Caledonia. They once symbolised movement, trade and clan alliances across islands, but those customs faded under colonial rule and missionary influences.

Cultural Reclamation

His journey began in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was considering how to reintroduce ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure collaborated with the authorities and following a two-year period the boat building initiative – known as Project Kenu Waan – was born.

“The most difficult aspect was not harvesting timber, it was persuading communities,” he says.

Program Successes

The initiative sought to revive heritage voyaging practices, train young builders and use vessel construction to enhance community pride and regional collaboration.

To date, the group has produced an exhibition, issued a volume and enabled the construction or restoration of approximately thirty vessels – from Goro to the northern shoreline.

Material Advantages

Different from many other Pacific islands where deforestation has diminished wood resources, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for carving large hulls.

“There, they often work with synthetic materials. In our location, we can still craft from natural timber,” he says. “It makes a significant advantage.”

The canoes created under the initiative integrate oceanic vessel shapes with Melanesian rigging.

Teaching Development

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been instructing navigation and traditional construction history at the local university.

“It’s the first time these topics are included at master’s level. This isn’t academic – it’s something I’ve lived. I’ve sailed vast distances on these vessels. I’ve experienced profound emotion during these journeys.”

Pacific Partnerships

Tikoure sailed with the crew of the Uto ni Yalo, the Fijian canoe that journeyed to Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2024.

“Throughout the region, through various islands, this represents a unified effort,” he explains. “We’re restoring the ocean as a community.”

Political Engagement

During the summer, Tikoure journeyed to the European location to share a “Kanak vision of the marine environment” when he met with Macron and government representatives.

Before state and foreign officials, he argued for collaborative ocean management based on local practices and community involvement.

“It’s essential to include these communities – particularly fishing communities.”

Current Development

Today, when mariners from across the Pacific – from Fiji, Micronesia and New Zealand – come to Lifou, they examine vessels together, adjust the structure and finally navigate in unison.

“It’s not about duplicating the traditional forms, we help them develop.”

Integrated Mission

According to Tikoure, instructing mariners and supporting ecological regulations are interrelated.

“The core concept concerns how we involve people: who has the right to travel ocean waters, and who decides which activities take place on it? Traditional vessels is a way to initiate that discussion.”