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In October on Lifou island, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was launched into the lagoon – a seemingly minor event that marked a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the maiden journey of a traditional canoe on Lifou in many decades, an gathering that united the island’s primary tribal groups in a uncommon display of togetherness.

Seafarer and campaigner Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the past eight years, he has overseen a project that seeks to restore traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been constructed in an project aimed at reconnecting Indigenous Kanak people with their maritime heritage. Tikoure says the boats also facilitate the “beginning of dialogue” around sea access rights and environmental policies.

International Advocacy

This past July, he travelled to France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for ocean governance created in consultation with and by native populations that recognise their relationship with the sea.

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

Canoes hold deep cultural significance in New Caledonia. They once represented travel, exchange and tribal partnerships across islands, but those customs declined under colonisation and outside cultural pressures.

Cultural Reclamation

The initiative began in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was looking at how to restore ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure worked with the government and after two years the canoe construction project – known as Kenu Waan project – was launched.

“The most difficult aspect wasn’t wood collection, it was persuading communities,” he explains.

Project Achievements

The program worked to bring back ancestral sailing methods, mentor apprentice constructors and use canoe-making to strengthen traditional heritage and regional collaboration.

To date, the team has organized a showcase, released a publication and supported the creation or repair of around 30 canoes – from the southern region to Ponerihouen.

Natural Resources

Unlike many other oceanic nations where tree loss has diminished wood resources, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for crafting substantial vessels.

“In other places, they often employ modern composites. Here, we can still craft from natural timber,” he states. “This creates a crucial distinction.”

The canoes created under the Kenu Waan Project merge oceanic vessel shapes with local sailing systems.

Academic Integration

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been instructing navigation and traditional construction history at the University of New Caledonia.

“It’s the first time these subjects are taught at advanced education. This isn’t academic – this is knowledge I’ve experienced. I’ve sailed vast distances on these vessels. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness during these journeys.”

Pacific Partnerships

He voyaged with the team of the traditional boat, the Fijian canoe that journeyed to Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2024.

“Throughout the region, from Fiji to here, it’s the same movement,” he states. “We’re restoring the sea together.”

Policy Advocacy

In July, Tikoure visited the French city to share a “Kanak vision of the sea” when he conferred with Macron and additional officials.

Addressing official and overseas representatives, he argued for collaborative ocean management based on Kanak custom and local engagement.

“We must engage them – particularly those who live from fishing.”

Current Development

Now, when sailors from throughout the region – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and New Zealand – visit Lifou, they analyze boats collectively, refine the construction and finally sail side by side.

“It’s not about duplicating the old models, we enable their progression.”

Holistic Approach

According to Tikoure, educating sailors and supporting ecological regulations are connected.

“The fundamental issue involves community participation: who has the right to move across the sea, and who decides what happens in these waters? Heritage boats serve as a method to start that conversation.”