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During the autumn month of October on the island of Lifou, a double-hulled canoe was pushed into the coastal lagoon – a small act that signified a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the inaugural voyage of a heritage boat on Lifou in generations, an event that united the island’s main family lineages in a rare show of unity.

Seafarer and campaigner Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the previous eight-year period, he has overseen a initiative that works to resurrect 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 help the “start of conversation” around maritime entitlements and environmental policies.

Global Outreach

During the summer month of July, he journeyed to France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for ocean governance developed alongside and by native populations that recognise their connection to the ocean.

“Forefathers always traveled by water. We abandoned that practice for a period,” Tikoure explains. “Today we’re reclaiming it again.”

Heritage boats hold significant historical importance in New Caledonia. They once symbolised mobility, interaction and clan alliances across islands, but those customs diminished under colonisation and outside cultural pressures.

Cultural Reclamation

His journey began in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was exploring how to reintroduce ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure worked with the government and two years later the vessel restoration program – known as Project Kenu Waan – was established.

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

Project Achievements

The initiative aimed to restore traditional navigation techniques, educate new craftspeople and use boat-building to strengthen traditional heritage and island partnerships.

To date, the group has produced an exhibition, published a book and enabled the building or renovation of approximately thirty vessels – from the southern region to the northern shoreline.

Natural Resources

Unlike many other Pacific islands where deforestation has diminished wood resources, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for constructing major boats.

“In other places, they often work with modern composites. Here, we can still work with whole trees,” he states. “This creates a significant advantage.”

The boats constructed under the Kenu Waan Project merge Polynesian hull design with local sailing systems.

Academic Integration

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been teaching navigation and ancestral craft methods at the local university.

“For the first time ever this knowledge are offered at advanced education. It’s not theory – these are experiences I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve sailed vast distances on traditional boats. I’ve experienced profound emotion during these journeys.”

Island Cooperation

He traveled with the team of the traditional boat, the heritage craft that sailed to Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2024.

“Throughout the region, from Fiji to here, this represents a unified effort,” he says. “We’re taking back the ocean collectively.”

Governance Efforts

This past July, Tikoure journeyed to the European location to introduce a “Indigenous perspective of the ocean” when he met with Macron and other leaders.

Addressing official and international delegates, he pushed for cooperative sea policies based on local practices and local engagement.

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

Contemporary Evolution

Now, when mariners from throughout the region – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and New Zealand – visit Lifou, they examine vessels collectively, adjust the structure and finally navigate in unison.

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

Integrated Mission

According to Tikoure, teaching navigation and promoting conservation measures are interrelated.

“The core concept concerns how we involve people: who has the right to move across the sea, and who determines what occurs there? Traditional vessels serve as a method to initiate that discussion.”