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This past October on Lifou island, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was launched into the turquoise waters – a small act that represented a highly meaningful moment.

It was the maiden journey of a traditional canoe on Lifou in generations, an event that assembled the island’s primary tribal groups in a uncommon display of togetherness.

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the last eight years, he has overseen a program that aims to revive heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Numerous traditional boats have been constructed in an effort designed to reconnect native Kanak communities with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure says the boats also promote the “beginning of dialogue” around sea access rights and conservation measures.

Global Outreach

During the summer month of July, he travelled to France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for maritime regulations created in consultation with and by Indigenous communities that recognise their connection to the ocean.

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

Heritage boats hold significant historical significance in New Caledonia. They once stood for travel, trade and family cooperations across islands, but those practices declined under colonial rule and missionary influences.

Heritage Restoration

The initiative commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was exploring how to bring back ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure partnered with the authorities and after two years the canoe construction project – known as Project Kenu Waan – was established.

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

Program Successes

The initiative worked to bring back ancestral sailing methods, educate new craftspeople and use canoe-making to reinforce community pride and island partnerships.

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

Resource Benefits

Unlike many other island territories where forest clearing has limited lumber availability, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for carving large hulls.

“In other places, they often use marine plywood. Here, we can still carve solid logs,” he states. “This creates a crucial distinction.”

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

Academic Integration

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been educating students in seafaring and heritage building techniques at the University of New Caledonia.

“It’s the first time this knowledge are offered at master’s level. It’s not theory – this is knowledge I’ve lived. I’ve sailed vast distances on these vessels. I’ve cried tears of joy doing it.”

Pacific Partnerships

He traveled with the team 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, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he explains. “We’re reclaiming the ocean as a community.”

Governance Efforts

This past July, Tikoure journeyed to Nice, France to share a “Traditional understanding of the marine environment” when he had discussions with Macron and additional officials.

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

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

Current Development

Today, when navigators from throughout the region – from Fiji, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – come to Lifou, they study canoes in cooperation, adjust the structure and eventually navigate in unison.

“It’s not about duplicating the old models, we help them develop.”

Integrated Mission

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

“It’s all about community participation: who is entitled to navigate marine territories, and what authority governs what happens on it? The canoe serve as a method to begin that dialogue.”