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In October on Lifou island, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was pushed into the turquoise waters – a simple gesture that marked a highly meaningful moment.

It was the first launch of a ancestral vessel on Lifou in generations, an event that assembled the island’s main family lineages in a rare show of unity.

Seafarer and campaigner Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the last eight years, he has spearheaded a initiative that aims to revive heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Numerous traditional boats have been crafted in an effort aimed at reconnecting Indigenous Kanak people with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure explains the boats also promote the “beginning of dialogue” around maritime entitlements and environmental policies.

Diplomatic Efforts

During the summer month of July, he journeyed to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, calling for ocean governance shaped with and by local tribes that acknowledge their connection to the ocean.

“Forefathers always traveled by water. We forgot that knowledge for a while,” Tikoure explains. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Traditional vessels hold significant historical importance in New Caledonia. They once represented mobility, trade and clan alliances across islands, but those practices declined under colonisation and outside cultural pressures.

Tradition Revival

His journey started in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was exploring how to restore heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure collaborated with the authorities and following a two-year period the boat building initiative – known as Project Kenu Waan – was established.

“The biggest challenge wasn’t cutting down trees, it was gaining local support,” he explains.

Initiative Accomplishments

The Kenu Waan project aimed to restore ancestral sailing methods, educate new craftspeople and use canoe-making to reinforce cultural identity and island partnerships.

So far, the organization has organized a showcase, published a book and enabled the construction or restoration of approximately thirty vessels – from Goro to Ponerihouen.

Material Advantages

In contrast to many other island territories where forest clearing has limited timber supplies, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for carving large hulls.

“There, they often employ modern composites. Locally, we can still work with whole trees,” he says. “It makes all the difference.”

The canoes constructed under the program integrate traditional boat forms with local sailing systems.

Academic Integration

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been educating students in maritime travel and heritage building techniques at the local university.

“For the first time ever these topics are offered at graduate studies. It’s not theory – this is knowledge I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve sailed vast distances on these canoes. I’ve cried tears of joy doing it.”

Island Cooperation

He traveled with the team of the Uto ni Yalo, the Fijian canoe that sailed 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 reclaiming the sea as a community.”

Governance Efforts

During the summer, Tikoure travelled to the European location to present a “Kanak vision of the marine environment” when he had discussions with Macron and government representatives.

Addressing official and international delegates, he pushed for collaborative ocean management based on Indigenous traditions and local engagement.

“It’s essential to include them – particularly people dependent on marine resources.”

Modern Adaptation

Now, when sailors from throughout the region – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and Aotearoa – arrive in Lifou, they analyze boats collectively, refine the construction and ultimately voyage together.

“It’s not about duplicating the traditional forms, we enable their progression.”

Comprehensive Vision

In his view, teaching navigation and supporting ecological regulations are linked.

“The fundamental issue involves how we involve people: who is entitled to travel ocean waters, and who determines what occurs there? Heritage boats serve as a method to begin that dialogue.”