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This past October on Lifou, a double-hulled canoe was set afloat in the lagoon – a simple gesture that signified a profoundly important moment.

It was the maiden journey of a traditional canoe on Lifou in generations, an gathering 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 past eight years, he has spearheaded a initiative that works to resurrect traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Numerous traditional boats have been crafted in an effort aimed at reconnecting local Kanak populations with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure states the boats also promote the “opening of discussions” around sea access rights and environmental policies.

Global Outreach

During the summer month of July, he journeyed to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, calling for ocean governance developed alongside and by Indigenous communities that recognise their maritime heritage.

“Previous generations always navigated the ocean. We forgot that knowledge for a while,” Tikoure states. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Heritage boats hold significant historical meaning in New Caledonia. They once stood for movement, trade and clan alliances across islands, but those customs declined under colonisation and outside cultural pressures.

Tradition Revival

The initiative began in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was considering how to restore ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure partnered with the government and two years later the vessel restoration program – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was born.

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

Project Achievements

The initiative sought to revive traditional navigation techniques, train young builders and use boat-building to strengthen cultural identity and regional collaboration.

So far, the organization has created a display, published a book and enabled the creation or repair of nearly three dozen boats – from the far south to the northern shoreline.

Resource Benefits

In contrast to many other oceanic nations where forest clearing has diminished wood resources, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for constructing major boats.

“Elsewhere, they often use synthetic materials. In our location, we can still carve solid logs,” he explains. “It makes a significant advantage.”

The canoes created under the initiative combine traditional boat forms with local sailing systems.

Educational Expansion

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been instructing navigation and heritage building techniques at the educational institution.

“This marks the initial occasion this knowledge are included at advanced education. This isn’t academic – this is knowledge I’ve lived. I’ve sailed vast distances on these canoes. I’ve cried tears of joy during these journeys.”

Regional Collaboration

Tikoure sailed with the team of the Fijian vessel, the heritage craft that sailed to Tonga for the oceanic conference in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, including our location, this represents a unified effort,” he explains. “We’re taking back the sea together.”

Policy Advocacy

During the summer, Tikoure journeyed to the European location to share a “Indigenous perspective of the marine environment” when he conferred with Macron and other leaders.

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

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

Contemporary Evolution

Currently, when sailors from throughout the region – from the Fijian islands, the Micronesian region and New Zealand – arrive in Lifou, they study canoes together, adjust the structure and eventually voyage together.

“We’re not simply replicating the ancient designs, we enable their progression.”

Integrated Mission

For Tikoure, instructing mariners and advocating environmental policy are linked.

“It’s all about public engagement: who is entitled to navigate marine territories, and who decides what occurs in these waters? Traditional vessels serve as a method to initiate that discussion.”