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During the autumn month of October on Lifou, a double-hulled canoe was pushed into the turquoise waters – a simple gesture that marked a profoundly important moment.

It was the first launch of a traditional canoe on Lifou in generations, an event that united the island’s main family lineages in a uncommon display of togetherness.

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the last eight years, he has overseen a program that aims to revive heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Numerous traditional boats have been constructed in an effort designed to reconnect Indigenous Kanak people with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure says the boats also facilitate the “start of conversation” around ocean rights and ecological regulations.

International Advocacy

In July, he journeyed to France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for maritime regulations shaped with and by native populations that honor their maritime heritage.

“Previous generations always traveled by water. We abandoned that practice for a time,” Tikoure explains. “Now we’re finding it again.”

Heritage boats hold deep cultural significance in New Caledonia. They once symbolised travel, trade and family cooperations across islands, but those traditions declined under foreign occupation and missionary influences.

Tradition Revival

His journey commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was considering how to restore ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure partnered with the government and two years later the canoe construction project – known as Kenu Waan project – was launched.

“The hardest part was not cutting down trees, it was persuading communities,” he says.

Project Achievements

The initiative sought to revive traditional navigation techniques, train young builders and use canoe-making to reinforce cultural identity and regional collaboration.

Up to now, the group has created a display, issued a volume and supported the creation or repair of nearly three dozen boats – from the far south to Ponerihouen.

Resource Benefits

In contrast to many other island territories where forest clearing has diminished wood resources, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for crafting substantial vessels.

“In other places, they often work with modern composites. Locally, we can still craft from natural timber,” he states. “That represents a crucial distinction.”

The boats built under the initiative merge traditional boat forms with regional navigation methods.

Academic Integration

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been teaching seafaring and traditional construction history at the University of New Caledonia.

“It’s the first time these subjects are included at advanced education. This isn’t academic – it’s something I’ve experienced. I’ve navigated major waters on these vessels. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness during these journeys.”

Regional Collaboration

He voyaged with the members of the Uto ni Yalo, the Pacific vessel that sailed to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“Across the Pacific, through various islands, it’s the same movement,” he says. “We’re reclaiming the maritime heritage together.”

Political Engagement

During the summer, Tikoure journeyed to the French city to share a “Traditional understanding of the sea” when he met with Macron and other leaders.

Addressing official and international delegates, he advocated for collaborative ocean management based on local practices and local engagement.

“It’s essential to include them – especially fishing communities.”

Current Development

Today, when navigators from throughout the region – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and New Zealand – arrive in Lifou, they examine vessels together, modify the design and finally voyage together.

“We’re not simply replicating the traditional forms, we help them develop.”

Comprehensive Vision

For Tikoure, educating sailors and advocating environmental policy are interrelated.

“The core concept concerns community participation: who has the right to move across the sea, and who determines what happens on it? The canoe is a way to begin that dialogue.”