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During the autumn month of October on the island of Lifou, a ancient-style canoe was launched into the lagoon – a seemingly minor event that signified a profoundly important moment.

It was the first launch of a traditional canoe on Lifou in generations, an occasion that brought together 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 program that aims to revive traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been constructed in an effort designed to reconnect native Kanak communities with their maritime heritage. Tikoure says the boats also help the “start of conversation” around maritime entitlements and environmental policies.

Diplomatic Efforts

During the summer month of July, he visited France and met President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for marine policies shaped with and by Indigenous communities that honor their connection to the ocean.

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

Heritage boats hold deep cultural significance in New Caledonia. They once stood for mobility, exchange and clan alliances across islands, but those customs faded under colonial rule and religious conversion efforts.

Tradition Revival

His journey started in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was considering how to restore traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure partnered with the administration and after two years the vessel restoration program – known as Kenu Waan project – was established.

“The hardest part wasn’t wood collection, it was persuading communities,” he notes.

Program Successes

The Kenu Waan project worked to bring back traditional navigation techniques, train young builders and use canoe-making to strengthen community pride and island partnerships.

Up to now, the group has produced an exhibition, issued a volume and enabled the construction or restoration of approximately thirty vessels – from the southern region to the northeastern coast.

Resource Benefits

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

“Elsewhere, they often work with modern composites. In our location, we can still craft from natural timber,” he explains. “It makes all the difference.”

The vessels constructed under the initiative combine traditional boat forms with Melanesian rigging.

Educational Expansion

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been instructing maritime travel and heritage building techniques at the local university.

“This marks the initial occasion these topics are taught at master’s level. It’s not theory – it’s something I’ve experienced. I’ve crossed oceans on these vessels. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness doing it.”

Pacific Partnerships

He traveled with the team of the traditional boat, the Pacific vessel that sailed to Tonga for the oceanic conference in 2024.

“Across the Pacific, from Fiji to here, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he explains. “We’re taking back the sea together.”

Governance Efforts

In July, Tikoure visited the European location to present a “Kanak vision of the ocean” when he conferred with Macron and additional officials.

In front of government and overseas representatives, he advocated for collaborative ocean management based on Kanak custom and participation.

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

Modern Adaptation

Now, when mariners from throughout the region – from Fiji, Micronesia and New Zealand – arrive in Lifou, they analyze boats together, modify the design and ultimately navigate in unison.

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

Holistic Approach

For Tikoure, educating sailors and supporting ecological regulations are connected.

“It’s all about how we involve people: who is entitled to navigate marine territories, and who determines what happens in these waters? Heritage boats serve as a method to start that conversation.”