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

It was the inaugural voyage of a traditional canoe on Lifou in living memory, an event that brought together the island’s three chiefly clans in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Seafarer and campaigner Aile Tikoure was the driving force behind the launch. For the last eight years, he has spearheaded a project that seeks to restore ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been built in an effort aimed at reconnecting native Kanak communities with their maritime heritage. Tikoure states the boats also facilitate the “beginning of dialogue” around maritime entitlements and conservation measures.

Diplomatic Efforts

During the summer month of July, he journeyed to France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for maritime regulations created in consultation with and by native populations that honor their relationship with the sea.

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

Canoes hold deep cultural meaning in New Caledonia. They once symbolised movement, trade and clan alliances across islands, but those traditions declined under colonisation and outside cultural pressures.

Tradition Revival

This mission commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was exploring how to reintroduce ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure collaborated with the government and two years later the boat building initiative – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was born.

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

Initiative Accomplishments

The initiative aimed to restore ancestral sailing methods, train young builders and use vessel construction to reinforce cultural identity and inter-island cooperation.

Up to now, the group has organized a showcase, published a book and enabled the building or renovation of nearly three dozen boats – from the far south to the northeastern coast.

Resource Benefits

In contrast to many other Pacific islands where deforestation has diminished lumber availability, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for carving large hulls.

“Elsewhere, they often use modern composites. Locally, we can still work with whole trees,” he says. “That represents a significant advantage.”

The boats built under the program integrate Polynesian hull design with regional navigation methods.

Educational Expansion

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been educating students in seafaring and heritage building techniques at the University of New Caledonia.

“For the first time ever these subjects are taught at master’s level. It’s not theory – these are experiences I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve crossed oceans on these vessels. I’ve cried tears of joy during these journeys.”

Island Cooperation

He voyaged with the crew of the Fijian vessel, the Pacific vessel that sailed to Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2024.

“Throughout the region, through various islands, it’s the same movement,” he says. “We’re reclaiming the ocean as a community.”

Governance Efforts

During the summer, Tikoure travelled to Nice, France to introduce a “Traditional understanding of the marine environment” when he had discussions with Macron and government representatives.

Addressing official and overseas representatives, he argued for cooperative sea policies based on local practices and participation.

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

Contemporary Evolution

Today, when navigators from across the Pacific – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and Aotearoa – arrive in Lifou, they examine vessels together, refine the construction and eventually voyage together.

“We’re not simply replicating the ancient designs, we help them develop.”

Comprehensive Vision

For Tikoure, teaching navigation and promoting conservation measures are interrelated.

“The fundamental issue involves community participation: who is entitled to navigate marine territories, and who determines what occurs on it? Heritage boats serve as a method to begin that dialogue.”