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This past October on Lifou island, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was launched into the lagoon – a simple gesture that represented a highly meaningful moment.

It was the first launch of a traditional canoe on Lifou in living memory, an occasion that assembled the island’s three chiefly clans in a rare show of unity.

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the last eight years, he has spearheaded a project that works to resurrect heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been crafted in an initiative intended to reunite Indigenous Kanak people with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure explains the boats also help the “opening of discussions” around sea access rights and conservation measures.

International Advocacy

This past July, he visited France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for marine policies developed alongside and by local tribes that acknowledge their maritime heritage.

“Previous generations always crossed the sea. We forgot that knowledge for a time,” Tikoure explains. “Today we’re reclaiming it again.”

Heritage boats hold profound traditional meaning in New Caledonia. They once represented movement, exchange and family cooperations across islands, but those traditions faded under foreign occupation and religious conversion efforts.

Tradition Revival

This mission started in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was exploring how to reintroduce ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure collaborated with the administration and after two years the canoe construction project – known as Kenu Waan project – was born.

“The most difficult aspect was not cutting down trees, it was persuading communities,” he explains.

Initiative Accomplishments

The program aimed to restore heritage voyaging practices, mentor apprentice constructors and use vessel construction to strengthen traditional heritage and island partnerships.

To date, the group has produced an exhibition, published a book and facilitated the creation or repair of approximately thirty vessels – from Goro to Ponerihouen.

Natural Resources

Unlike many other Pacific islands where forest clearing has reduced wood resources, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for crafting substantial vessels.

“There, they often use modern composites. In our location, we can still craft from natural timber,” he says. “It makes a significant advantage.”

The canoes constructed under the program combine oceanic vessel shapes with regional navigation methods.

Teaching Development

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been teaching maritime travel and heritage building techniques at the local university.

“For the first time ever these subjects are included at master’s level. This isn’t academic – these are experiences I’ve lived. I’ve crossed oceans on these canoes. I’ve experienced profound emotion while accomplishing this.”

Regional Collaboration

Tikoure sailed with the team of the Uto ni Yalo, the Fijian canoe that journeyed to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, including our location, this represents a unified effort,” he states. “We’re taking back the sea collectively.”

Policy Advocacy

In July, Tikoure journeyed to Nice, France to present a “Indigenous perspective of the sea” when he had discussions with Macron and other leaders.

Addressing official and foreign officials, he advocated for collaborative ocean management based on local practices and local engagement.

“You have to involve these communities – most importantly people dependent on marine resources.”

Current Development

Today, when sailors from across the Pacific – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and New Zealand – visit Lifou, they study canoes together, modify the design and ultimately navigate in unison.

“We don’t just copy the ancient designs, we help them develop.”

Integrated Mission

For Tikoure, teaching navigation and supporting ecological regulations are linked.

“The core concept concerns how we involve people: who is entitled to navigate marine territories, and who determines what happens on it? The canoe is a way to begin that dialogue.”