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In October on Lifou, a double-hulled canoe was set afloat in the turquoise waters – a simple gesture that signified a profoundly important moment.

It was the maiden journey of a traditional canoe on Lifou in living memory, an gathering that united the island’s three chiefly clans in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was the driving force behind the launch. For the past eight years, he has led a project that aims to revive heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been constructed in an effort aimed at reconnecting Indigenous Kanak people with their maritime heritage. Tikoure says the boats also promote the “opening of discussions” around sea access rights and conservation measures.

Diplomatic Efforts

This past July, he visited France and met President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for maritime regulations created in consultation with and by local tribes that acknowledge their connection to the ocean.

“Previous generations always traveled by water. We abandoned that practice for a period,” Tikoure explains. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Traditional vessels hold profound traditional importance in New Caledonia. They once symbolised travel, interaction and tribal partnerships across islands, but those traditions diminished under foreign occupation and religious conversion efforts.

Heritage Restoration

This mission commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was looking at how to restore ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure worked with the authorities and following a two-year period the boat building initiative – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was established.

“The biggest challenge was not cutting down trees, it was gaining local support,” he says.

Program Successes

The program aimed to restore heritage voyaging practices, educate new craftspeople and use boat-building to reinforce community pride and regional collaboration.

To date, the team has produced an exhibition, issued a volume and supported the building or renovation of approximately thirty vessels – from the southern region to Ponerihouen.

Material Advantages

In contrast to many other Pacific islands where deforestation has limited timber supplies, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for crafting substantial vessels.

“There, they often employ modern composites. In our location, we can still work with whole trees,” he explains. “That represents all the difference.”

The boats created under the Kenu Waan Project integrate traditional boat forms with regional navigation methods.

Teaching Development

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been instructing seafaring and ancestral craft methods at the University of New Caledonia.

“For the first time ever this knowledge are included at graduate studies. This isn’t academic – these are experiences I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve sailed vast distances on these canoes. I’ve experienced profound emotion during these journeys.”

Regional Collaboration

Tikoure sailed with the crew of the traditional boat, the heritage craft that traveled to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“Across the Pacific, including our location, it’s the same movement,” he states. “We’re restoring the maritime heritage as a community.”

Policy Advocacy

In July, Tikoure visited the French city to share a “Kanak vision of the sea” when he met with Macron and other leaders.

In front of government and international delegates, he advocated for shared maritime governance based on Kanak custom and community involvement.

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

Contemporary Evolution

Today, when mariners from various island nations – from the Fijian islands, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – come to Lifou, they analyze boats together, modify the design and ultimately sail side by side.

“We don’t just copy the traditional forms, we enable their progression.”

Holistic Approach

In his view, teaching navigation and advocating environmental policy are interrelated.

“The core concept concerns public engagement: who has the right to navigate marine territories, and who determines what occurs there? Heritage boats function as a means to initiate that discussion.”