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This past October on Lifou island, a ancient-style canoe was launched into the coastal lagoon – a seemingly minor event that signified a highly meaningful moment.

It was the first launch of a heritage boat on Lifou in generations, an gathering that assembled the island’s primary tribal groups in a rare show of unity.

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the past eight years, he has overseen a initiative that aims to revive ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been constructed in an project designed to reconnect local Kanak populations with their maritime heritage. Tikoure explains the boats also facilitate the “beginning of dialogue” around ocean rights and environmental policies.

International Advocacy

This past July, he travelled to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, calling for marine policies shaped with and by native populations that acknowledge their connection to the ocean.

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

Canoes hold deep cultural significance in New Caledonia. They once stood for movement, trade and tribal partnerships across islands, but those traditions faded under colonisation and religious conversion efforts.

Heritage Restoration

The initiative started in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was exploring how to bring back heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure collaborated with the government and two years later the canoe construction project – known as Kenu Waan project – was born.

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

Program Successes

The program aimed to restore traditional navigation techniques, train young builders and use vessel construction to reinforce community pride and island partnerships.

To date, the team has produced an exhibition, released a publication and enabled the building or renovation of nearly three dozen boats – from Goro to Ponerihouen.

Natural Resources

Different from many other oceanic nations where forest clearing has reduced timber supplies, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for crafting substantial vessels.

“In other places, they often employ marine plywood. In our location, we can still craft from natural timber,” he says. “It makes a crucial distinction.”

The vessels constructed under the program merge oceanic vessel shapes with regional navigation methods.

Teaching Development

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been teaching maritime travel and traditional construction history at the local university.

“For the first time ever these subjects are included at master’s level. This isn’t academic – this is knowledge I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve crossed oceans on these vessels. I’ve cried tears of joy doing it.”

Island Cooperation

Tikoure sailed with the members of the traditional boat, the Fijian canoe that traveled to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“Throughout the region, from Fiji to here, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he states. “We’re restoring the sea collectively.”

Policy Advocacy

During the summer, Tikoure travelled to the French city to introduce a “Traditional understanding of the marine environment” when he conferred with Macron and other leaders.

Addressing official and international delegates, he argued for shared maritime governance based on Kanak custom and participation.

“It’s essential to include local populations – most importantly those who live from fishing.”

Contemporary Evolution

Today, when navigators from throughout the region – from Fiji, Micronesia and Aotearoa – visit Lifou, they analyze boats collectively, adjust the structure and eventually sail side by side.

“We’re not simply replicating the ancient designs, we help them develop.”

Integrated Mission

According to Tikoure, educating sailors and advocating environmental policy are linked.

“The fundamental issue involves how we involve people: who has the right to travel ocean waters, and what authority governs what occurs there? Heritage boats function as a means to begin that dialogue.”