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In October on Lifou island, a ancient-style canoe was launched into the turquoise waters – a simple gesture that marked a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the maiden journey of a traditional canoe on Lifou in many decades, an occasion that united the island’s primary tribal groups in a uncommon display of togetherness.

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the last eight years, he has spearheaded a initiative 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 maritime heritage. Tikoure states the boats also promote the “beginning of dialogue” around ocean rights and ecological regulations.

Global Outreach

In July, he travelled to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, calling for maritime regulations developed alongside and by Indigenous communities that recognise their connection to the ocean.

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

Traditional vessels hold deep cultural significance in New Caledonia. They once symbolised movement, trade and clan alliances across islands, but those traditions faded under colonial rule and outside cultural pressures.

Cultural Reclamation

The initiative began in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was exploring how to reintroduce heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure worked with the government and following a two-year period the vessel restoration program – known as Kenu Waan project – was established.

“The hardest part didn’t involve harvesting timber, it was convincing people,” he says.

Initiative Accomplishments

The initiative aimed to restore heritage voyaging practices, educate new craftspeople and use canoe-making to reinforce community pride and island partnerships.

So far, the group has produced an exhibition, issued a volume and supported the construction or restoration of around 30 canoes – from the far south to Ponerihouen.

Natural Resources

In contrast to many other Pacific islands where forest clearing has diminished timber supplies, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for carving large hulls.

“There, they often work with marine plywood. Here, we can still craft from natural timber,” he says. “This creates all the difference.”

The canoes constructed under the initiative combine Polynesian hull design with regional navigation methods.

Teaching Development

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been instructing maritime travel and heritage building techniques at the local university.

“For the first time ever these subjects are taught at advanced education. It goes beyond textbooks – it’s something I’ve experienced. 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 traditional boat, the Fijian canoe that sailed to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“Throughout the region, through various islands, this represents a unified effort,” he says. “We’re restoring the maritime heritage together.”

Governance Efforts

This past July, Tikoure travelled to Nice, France to introduce a “Kanak vision of the ocean” when he had discussions with Macron and additional officials.

Before state and overseas representatives, he argued for cooperative sea policies based on Kanak custom and participation.

“It’s essential to include these communities – particularly fishing communities.”

Contemporary Evolution

Now, when navigators from across the Pacific – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and Aotearoa – arrive in Lifou, they analyze boats collectively, adjust the structure and finally voyage together.

“We don’t just copy the ancient designs, we make them evolve.”

Comprehensive Vision

According to Tikoure, instructing mariners and advocating environmental policy are interrelated.

“It’s all about how we involve people: who is entitled to travel ocean waters, and what authority governs what occurs in these waters? Heritage boats function as a means to start that conversation.”