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During the autumn month of October on Lifou island, a ancient-style canoe was set afloat in the coastal lagoon – a simple gesture that marked a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the inaugural voyage of a traditional canoe on Lifou in generations, an gathering that assembled the island’s three chiefly clans in a uncommon display of togetherness.

Seafarer and campaigner Aile Tikoure was the driving force behind the launch. For the past eight years, he has led a initiative that seeks to restore heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been crafted in an effort designed to reconnect local Kanak populations with their maritime heritage. Tikoure explains the boats also promote the “opening of discussions” around sea access rights and ecological regulations.

Diplomatic Efforts

In July, he visited France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for marine policies shaped with and by Indigenous communities that acknowledge their relationship with the sea.

“Forefathers always traveled by water. We forgot that knowledge for a time,” Tikoure states. “Now we’re finding it again.”

Traditional vessels hold significant historical significance in New Caledonia. They once stood for movement, interaction and tribal partnerships across islands, but those traditions diminished under colonisation and religious conversion efforts.

Tradition Revival

His journey started in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was looking at how to reintroduce ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure worked with the administration and following a two-year period the canoe construction project – known as Kenu Waan project – was born.

“The biggest challenge wasn’t cutting down trees, it was gaining local support,” he explains.

Initiative Accomplishments

The initiative sought to revive ancestral sailing methods, mentor apprentice constructors and use vessel construction to enhance community pride and regional collaboration.

To date, the group has created a display, issued a volume and supported the construction or restoration of around 30 canoes – from Goro to the northern shoreline.

Material Advantages

In contrast to many other oceanic nations where deforestation has reduced wood resources, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for constructing major boats.

“Elsewhere, they often employ modern composites. Locally, we can still craft from natural timber,” he says. “That represents a significant advantage.”

The vessels constructed under the initiative combine Polynesian hull design with Melanesian rigging.

Educational Expansion

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been teaching maritime travel and ancestral craft methods at the educational institution.

“For the first time ever these subjects are included at advanced education. This isn’t academic – this is knowledge I’ve lived. I’ve crossed oceans on these canoes. I’ve cried tears of joy during these journeys.”

Regional Collaboration

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

“Across the Pacific, from Fiji to here, it’s the same movement,” he explains. “We’re taking back the sea together.”

Political Engagement

During the summer, Tikoure journeyed to the French city to introduce a “Indigenous perspective of the marine environment” when he conferred with Macron and government representatives.

Before state and international delegates, he pushed for collaborative ocean management based on local practices and local engagement.

“It’s essential to include them – particularly those who live from fishing.”

Contemporary Evolution

Today, when navigators from various island nations – from Fiji, Micronesia and Aotearoa – come to Lifou, they analyze boats together, refine the construction and eventually navigate in unison.

“We don’t just copy the traditional forms, we enable their progression.”

Comprehensive Vision

According to Tikoure, instructing mariners and supporting ecological regulations are interrelated.

“The core concept concerns public engagement: what permissions exist to travel ocean waters, and who decides which activities take place in these waters? Heritage boats is a way to initiate that discussion.”