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In October on Lifou, a double-hulled canoe was pushed into the lagoon – a seemingly minor event that represented a profoundly important moment.

It was the maiden journey of a ancestral vessel on Lifou in living memory, an event that assembled the island’s main family lineages in a uncommon display of togetherness.

Seafarer and campaigner Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the past eight years, he has spearheaded a project that aims to revive traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been constructed in an initiative designed to reconnect native Kanak communities with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure states the boats also help the “start of conversation” around maritime entitlements and ecological regulations.

Diplomatic Efforts

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

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

Heritage boats hold profound traditional meaning in New Caledonia. They once represented mobility, interaction and clan alliances across islands, but those practices diminished under colonial rule and religious conversion efforts.

Heritage Restoration

The initiative began in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was exploring how to reintroduce traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure worked with the authorities and after two years the boat building initiative – known as Project Kenu Waan – was established.

“The hardest part was not cutting down trees, it was persuading communities,” he says.

Initiative Accomplishments

The program aimed to restore heritage voyaging practices, train young builders and use vessel construction to reinforce community pride and regional collaboration.

Up to now, the organization has organized a showcase, issued a volume and enabled the building or renovation of approximately thirty vessels – from Goro to Ponerihouen.

Material Advantages

Different from many other Pacific islands where tree loss has diminished lumber availability, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for crafting substantial vessels.

“In other places, they often work with synthetic materials. In our location, we can still work with whole trees,” he explains. “This creates all the difference.”

The boats created under the Kenu Waan Project integrate Polynesian hull design with Melanesian rigging.

Educational Expansion

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been educating students in seafaring and ancestral craft methods at the educational institution.

“It’s the first time this knowledge are included at master’s level. This isn’t academic – these are experiences I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve navigated major waters on these canoes. I’ve cried tears of joy doing it.”

Island Cooperation

He voyaged with the crew of the Fijian vessel, the Pacific vessel that journeyed to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, from Fiji to here, it’s the same movement,” he states. “We’re taking back the ocean together.”

Governance Efforts

This past July, Tikoure journeyed to the European location to share a “Kanak vision of the ocean” when he had discussions with Macron and additional officials.

In front of government and overseas representatives, he advocated for cooperative sea policies based on Kanak custom and participation.

“We must engage these communities – most importantly those who live from fishing.”

Contemporary Evolution

Currently, when sailors from throughout the region – from Fiji, the Micronesian region and New Zealand – visit Lifou, they analyze boats together, modify the design and finally navigate in unison.

“It’s not about duplicating the ancient designs, we help them develop.”

Holistic Approach

According to Tikoure, teaching navigation and advocating environmental policy are linked.

“It’s all about public engagement: who has the right to travel ocean waters, and who determines what happens there? Heritage boats is a way to begin that dialogue.”