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In October on Lifou, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was launched into the lagoon – a small act that represented a highly meaningful moment.

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

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was the driving force behind the launch. For the past eight years, he has spearheaded a program that aims to revive traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been built in an initiative aimed at reconnecting local Kanak populations with their maritime heritage. Tikoure says the boats also facilitate the “beginning of dialogue” around ocean rights and environmental policies.

International Advocacy

This past July, he visited France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for marine policies developed alongside and by native populations that honor their maritime heritage.

“Previous generations always traveled by water. We lost that for a time,” Tikoure explains. “Today we’re reclaiming it again.”

Heritage boats hold profound traditional meaning in New Caledonia. They once symbolised movement, exchange and clan alliances across islands, but those customs declined under colonial rule and outside cultural pressures.

Tradition Revival

The initiative began in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was considering how to bring back traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure partnered with the government and following a two-year period the boat building initiative – known as Kenu Waan project – was born.

“The hardest part was not wood collection, it was gaining local support,” he explains.

Initiative Accomplishments

The program aimed to restore traditional navigation techniques, mentor apprentice constructors and use boat-building to enhance traditional heritage and inter-island cooperation.

So far, the organization has organized a showcase, released a publication and facilitated the building or renovation of around 30 canoes – from the southern region to the northeastern coast.

Natural Resources

Different from many other Pacific islands where deforestation has reduced lumber availability, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for carving large hulls.

“There, they often employ modern composites. Locally, we can still craft from natural timber,” he explains. “It makes a crucial distinction.”

The vessels constructed under the Kenu Waan Project merge traditional boat forms with local sailing systems.

Academic Integration

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been educating students in seafaring and ancestral craft methods at the educational institution.

“It’s the first time these topics are offered at advanced education. It’s not theory – it’s something I’ve lived. I’ve sailed vast distances on these canoes. I’ve experienced profound emotion while accomplishing this.”

Pacific Partnerships

He voyaged with the crew of the traditional boat, the Pacific vessel that journeyed to Tonga for the oceanic conference in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, from Fiji to here, it’s the same movement,” he says. “We’re restoring the sea together.”

Political Engagement

This past July, Tikoure visited Nice, France to present a “Traditional understanding of the ocean” when he had discussions with Macron and government representatives.

In front of government and overseas representatives, he argued for collaborative ocean management based on Indigenous traditions and local engagement.

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

Contemporary Evolution

Today, when sailors from across the Pacific – from Fiji, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – arrive in Lifou, they analyze boats collectively, modify the design and eventually navigate in unison.

“It’s not about duplicating the ancient designs, we enable their progression.”

Integrated Mission

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

“The fundamental issue involves public engagement: who has the right to travel ocean waters, and who determines which activities take place in these waters? The canoe serve as a method to initiate that discussion.”