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During the autumn month of October on the island of Lifou, a ancient-style canoe was launched into the lagoon – a small act 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 exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the past eight years, he has led a project that seeks to restore traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been constructed in an project designed to reconnect native Kanak communities with their seafaring legacy. Tikoure states the boats also facilitate the “start of conversation” around maritime entitlements and ecological regulations.

Global Outreach

During the summer month of July, he journeyed to France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for maritime regulations shaped with and by Indigenous communities that recognise their maritime heritage.

“Forefathers always crossed the sea. We abandoned that practice for a period,” Tikoure says. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Heritage boats hold profound traditional significance in New Caledonia. They once represented mobility, trade and tribal partnerships across islands, but those practices faded under foreign occupation and outside cultural pressures.

Tradition Revival

The initiative started in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was exploring how to reintroduce traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure worked with the authorities and after two years the canoe construction project – known as Project Kenu Waan – was launched.

“The most difficult aspect wasn’t harvesting timber, it was gaining local support,” he explains.

Project Achievements

The program aimed to restore heritage voyaging practices, mentor apprentice constructors and use vessel construction to strengthen cultural identity and regional collaboration.

So far, the group has organized a showcase, issued a volume and enabled the creation or repair of nearly three dozen boats – from the southern region to the northern shoreline.

Natural Resources

In contrast to many other oceanic nations where tree loss has reduced lumber availability, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for constructing major boats.

“In other places, they often employ modern composites. Locally, we can still work with whole trees,” he states. “It makes a significant advantage.”

The vessels created under the Kenu Waan Project integrate Polynesian hull design with Melanesian rigging.

Academic Integration

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

“It’s the first time this knowledge are offered at advanced education. This isn’t academic – it’s something I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve navigated major waters on traditional boats. I’ve cried tears of joy while accomplishing this.”

Pacific Partnerships

He traveled with the crew of the Fijian vessel, the Fijian canoe that sailed to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

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

Political Engagement

This past July, Tikoure visited Nice, France to introduce a “Indigenous perspective of the ocean” when he had discussions with Macron and other leaders.

Addressing official and overseas representatives, he argued for cooperative sea policies based on Indigenous traditions and participation.

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

Current Development

Today, when mariners from throughout the region – from Fiji, Micronesia and New Zealand – visit Lifou, they analyze boats collectively, adjust the structure and finally sail side by side.

“It’s not about duplicating the traditional forms, we make them evolve.”

Holistic Approach

In his view, teaching navigation and supporting ecological regulations are connected.

“The fundamental issue involves how we involve people: what permissions exist to travel ocean waters, and what authority governs which activities take place on it? Heritage boats function as a means to begin that dialogue.”