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In October on Lifou, a ancient-style canoe was launched into the coastal lagoon – a seemingly minor event that signified a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the first launch of a traditional canoe on Lifou in many decades, an occasion that united the island’s three chiefly clans in a rare show of unity.

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the previous eight-year period, he has led a program that seeks to restore ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been constructed in an project intended to reunite Indigenous Kanak people with their maritime heritage. Tikoure states the boats also help the “opening of discussions” around sea access rights and conservation measures.

Global Outreach

This past July, he travelled to France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for ocean governance shaped with and by Indigenous communities that honor their connection to the ocean.

“Forefathers always traveled by water. We abandoned that practice for a period,” Tikoure states. “Now we’re finding it again.”

Heritage boats hold profound traditional importance in New Caledonia. They once symbolised travel, exchange and clan alliances across islands, but those practices faded under colonial rule and religious conversion efforts.

Heritage Restoration

The initiative started in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was looking at how to restore heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure partnered with the administration and following a two-year period the canoe construction project – known as Project Kenu Waan – was launched.

“The hardest part was not harvesting timber, it was gaining local support,” he notes.

Program Successes

The program aimed to restore heritage voyaging practices, train young builders and use vessel construction to reinforce traditional heritage and regional collaboration.

To date, the organization has produced an exhibition, published a book and enabled the building or renovation of around 30 canoes – from the far south to the northeastern coast.

Material Advantages

Unlike many other Pacific islands where forest clearing has diminished lumber availability, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for carving large hulls.

“There, they often employ synthetic materials. In our location, we can still work with whole trees,” he says. “This creates a crucial distinction.”

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

Academic Integration

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been educating students in maritime travel and traditional construction history at the educational institution.

“For the first time ever this knowledge are included at master’s level. It goes beyond textbooks – these are experiences I’ve lived. I’ve navigated major waters on traditional boats. I’ve cried tears of joy doing it.”

Island Cooperation

Tikoure sailed with the members of the traditional boat, the Pacific vessel that sailed to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, including our location, it’s the same movement,” he states. “We’re restoring the maritime heritage together.”

Governance Efforts

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

Before state and international delegates, he pushed for cooperative sea policies based on Indigenous traditions and local engagement.

“It’s essential to include these communities – especially people dependent on marine resources.”

Contemporary Evolution

Today, when mariners from throughout the region – from Fiji, Micronesia and Aotearoa – come to Lifou, they analyze boats in cooperation, modify the design and finally sail side by side.

“We’re not simply replicating the ancient designs, we help them develop.”

Integrated Mission

According to Tikoure, teaching navigation and advocating environmental policy are interrelated.

“It’s all about public engagement: who has the right to move across the sea, and who decides which activities take place there? Heritage boats serve as a method to begin that dialogue.”