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During the autumn month of October on Lifou island, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was pushed into the coastal lagoon – a simple gesture that represented a profoundly important moment.

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

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the past eight years, he has overseen a initiative that aims to revive ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been built in an effort designed to reconnect Indigenous Kanak people with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure states the boats also promote the “opening of discussions” around sea access rights and conservation measures.

Global Outreach

This past July, he journeyed to France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for marine policies shaped with and by local tribes that recognise their connection to the ocean.

“Our ancestors always navigated the ocean. We lost that for a period,” Tikoure states. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Traditional vessels hold profound traditional importance in New Caledonia. They once represented mobility, exchange and clan alliances across islands, but those traditions declined under colonisation and outside cultural pressures.

Heritage Restoration

This mission began in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was exploring how to restore heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure partnered with the administration and following a two-year period the vessel restoration program – known as Kenu Waan project – was launched.

“The most difficult aspect didn’t involve wood collection, it was persuading communities,” he says.

Initiative Accomplishments

The initiative sought to revive heritage voyaging practices, mentor apprentice constructors and use vessel construction to enhance community pride and island partnerships.

To date, the team has produced an exhibition, issued a volume and supported the building or renovation of approximately thirty vessels – from Goro to the northern shoreline.

Natural Resources

Different from many other oceanic nations where forest clearing has reduced timber supplies, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for crafting substantial vessels.

“In other places, they often employ marine plywood. Locally, we can still work with whole trees,” he says. “That represents a significant advantage.”

The boats built under the Kenu Waan Project integrate oceanic vessel shapes with local sailing systems.

Academic Integration

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been educating students in maritime travel and ancestral craft methods at the local university.

“This marks the initial occasion this knowledge are included at master’s level. It’s not theory – it’s something I’ve lived. I’ve sailed vast distances on traditional boats. I’ve experienced profound emotion doing it.”

Regional Collaboration

Tikoure sailed with the members of the Fijian vessel, the heritage craft that traveled to Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2024.

“Across the Pacific, through various islands, it’s the same movement,” he explains. “We’re reclaiming the sea collectively.”

Governance Efforts

During the summer, Tikoure travelled to the French city to introduce a “Traditional understanding of the ocean” when he met with Macron and additional officials.

Addressing official and overseas representatives, he advocated for shared maritime governance based on Kanak custom and local engagement.

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

Contemporary Evolution

Today, when mariners from various island nations – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and Aotearoa – come to Lifou, they study canoes together, modify the design and eventually navigate in unison.

“We’re not simply replicating the old models, we help them develop.”

Holistic Approach

For Tikoure, teaching navigation and supporting ecological regulations are linked.

“It’s all about public engagement: what permissions exist to move across the sea, and what authority governs which activities take place on it? The canoe serve as a method to initiate that discussion.”