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During the autumn month of October on Lifou island, a ancient-style canoe was launched 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 living memory, an gathering that brought together the island’s three chiefly clans in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Mariner and advocate 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.

Dozens of canoes have been constructed in an initiative aimed at reconnecting local Kanak populations with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure says the boats also promote the “opening of discussions” around sea access rights and environmental policies.

International Advocacy

During the summer month of July, he journeyed to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for ocean governance developed alongside and by native populations that recognise their relationship with the sea.

“Previous generations always traveled by water. We forgot that knowledge for a time,” Tikoure says. “Now we’re finding it again.”

Heritage boats hold profound traditional importance in New Caledonia. They once symbolised mobility, trade and tribal partnerships across islands, but those traditions faded under colonial rule and outside cultural pressures.

Tradition Revival

His journey started in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was exploring how to restore traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure partnered with the government and two years later the canoe construction project – known as Kenu Waan project – was launched.

“The hardest part was not harvesting timber, it was gaining local support,” he says.

Project Achievements

The initiative worked to bring back heritage voyaging practices, mentor apprentice constructors and use boat-building to strengthen traditional heritage and island partnerships.

Up to now, the organization has produced an exhibition, released a publication and facilitated the building or renovation of nearly three dozen boats – from the southern region to the northern shoreline.

Resource Benefits

Unlike many other oceanic nations where deforestation has diminished timber supplies, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for crafting substantial vessels.

“There, they often work with modern composites. In our location, we can still work with whole trees,” he explains. “It makes a crucial distinction.”

The vessels built under the Kenu Waan Project combine Polynesian hull design with regional navigation methods.

Academic Integration

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been educating students in maritime travel and heritage building techniques at the educational institution.

“This marks the initial occasion these topics are offered at master’s level. It’s not theory – these are experiences I’ve experienced. I’ve crossed oceans on these canoes. I’ve cried tears of joy while accomplishing this.”

Regional Collaboration

Tikoure sailed with the crew of the Fijian vessel, the heritage craft that sailed to Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, from Fiji to here, it’s the same movement,” he states. “We’re restoring the sea as a community.”

Political Engagement

During the summer, Tikoure journeyed to the French city to introduce a “Kanak vision of the marine environment” when he met with Macron and government representatives.

Before state and foreign officials, he pushed for cooperative sea policies based on Kanak custom and local engagement.

“We must engage these communities – particularly fishing communities.”

Modern Adaptation

Now, when mariners from various island nations – from Fiji, the Micronesian region and New Zealand – arrive in Lifou, they analyze boats collectively, modify the design and ultimately sail side by side.

“It’s not about duplicating the old models, we help them develop.”

Comprehensive Vision

In his view, educating sailors and promoting conservation measures are interrelated.

“The core concept concerns public engagement: who has the right to move across the sea, and who decides what happens on it? The canoe serve as a method to initiate that discussion.”