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This past October on Lifou island, a double-hulled canoe was pushed into the turquoise waters – a simple gesture that represented a profoundly important moment.

It was the first launch of a ancestral vessel on Lifou in many decades, an event that assembled the island’s three chiefly clans in a uncommon display of togetherness.

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was the driving force behind the launch. For the last eight years, he has spearheaded a program that works to resurrect traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been constructed in an initiative intended to reunite local Kanak populations with their seafaring legacy. Tikoure says the boats also promote the “start of conversation” around sea access rights and ecological regulations.

International Advocacy

In July, he travelled to France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for maritime regulations created in consultation with and by local tribes that honor their relationship with the sea.

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

Heritage boats hold significant historical meaning in New Caledonia. They once symbolised mobility, exchange and clan alliances across islands, but those traditions diminished under foreign occupation and missionary influences.

Heritage Restoration

The initiative began in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was looking at how to bring back traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure partnered with the authorities and two years later the vessel restoration program – known as Project Kenu Waan – was born.

“The biggest challenge was not harvesting timber, it was gaining local support,” he says.

Initiative Accomplishments

The Kenu Waan project worked to bring back ancestral sailing methods, train young builders and use boat-building to enhance community pride and regional collaboration.

So far, the group has produced an exhibition, released a publication and supported the building or renovation of nearly three dozen boats – from the far south to the northeastern coast.

Natural Resources

In contrast to many other oceanic nations where deforestation has limited timber supplies, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for crafting substantial vessels.

“There, they often use marine plywood. Here, we can still work with whole trees,” he states. “That represents a crucial distinction.”

The boats created under the initiative integrate traditional boat forms with regional navigation methods.

Educational Expansion

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been instructing seafaring and ancestral craft methods at the local university.

“For the first time ever these topics are included at graduate studies. It goes beyond textbooks – these are experiences I’ve experienced. I’ve navigated major waters on these vessels. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness while accomplishing this.”

Regional Collaboration

Tikoure sailed with the team of the Uto ni Yalo, the Pacific vessel that traveled to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“Throughout the region, from Fiji to here, it’s the same movement,” he states. “We’re reclaiming the ocean as a community.”

Policy Advocacy

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

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

“You have to involve these communities – most importantly those who live from fishing.”

Current Development

Now, when mariners from various island nations – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and Aotearoa – visit Lifou, they examine vessels collectively, modify the design and eventually voyage together.

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

Holistic Approach

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

“It’s all about how we involve people: who is entitled to travel ocean waters, and who decides what happens in these waters? Traditional vessels function as a means to start that conversation.”