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In October on Lifou, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was pushed into the turquoise waters – a small act that marked a highly meaningful moment.

It was the inaugural voyage of a heritage boat on Lifou in many decades, an occasion that brought together the island’s three chiefly clans in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Seafarer and campaigner Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the last eight years, he has led a project that works to resurrect heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been built in an project aimed at reconnecting native Kanak communities with their seafaring legacy. Tikoure states the boats also facilitate the “opening of discussions” around maritime entitlements and ecological regulations.

Diplomatic Efforts

This past July, he travelled to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for maritime regulations shaped with and by local tribes that honor their connection to the ocean.

“Our ancestors always navigated the ocean. We lost that for a while,” Tikoure explains. “Today we’re reclaiming it again.”

Traditional vessels hold significant historical meaning in New Caledonia. They once symbolised travel, interaction and family cooperations across islands, but those traditions declined under colonial rule and religious conversion efforts.

Cultural Reclamation

The initiative commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was looking at how to bring back traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure collaborated with the government and two years later the vessel restoration program – known as Kenu Waan project – was born.

“The most difficult aspect wasn’t cutting down trees, it was persuading communities,” he says.

Project Achievements

The Kenu Waan project aimed to restore ancestral sailing methods, educate new craftspeople and use vessel construction to strengthen community pride and inter-island cooperation.

To date, the group has produced an exhibition, released a publication and enabled the construction or restoration of nearly three dozen boats – from Goro to the northeastern coast.

Natural Resources

Unlike many other island territories where forest clearing has limited wood resources, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for constructing major boats.

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

The canoes constructed under the initiative merge Polynesian hull design with local sailing systems.

Academic Integration

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been teaching navigation and heritage building techniques at the educational institution.

“It’s the first time this knowledge are included at graduate studies. It’s not theory – this is knowledge I’ve experienced. I’ve sailed vast distances on these canoes. I’ve cried tears of joy during these journeys.”

Island Cooperation

He voyaged with the crew of the traditional boat, the Fijian canoe that traveled to Tonga for the oceanic conference in 2024.

“Across the Pacific, through various islands, it’s the same movement,” he explains. “We’re restoring the ocean as a community.”

Governance Efforts

In July, Tikoure journeyed to Nice, France to introduce a “Kanak vision of the marine environment” when he had discussions with Macron and other leaders.

Addressing official and international delegates, he argued for collaborative ocean management based on Kanak custom and local engagement.

“We must engage local populations – most importantly those who live from fishing.”

Contemporary Evolution

Now, when navigators from across the Pacific – from Fiji, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – arrive in Lifou, they study canoes collectively, refine the construction and ultimately sail side by side.

“We’re not simply replicating the traditional forms, we make them evolve.”

Integrated Mission

In his view, teaching navigation and advocating environmental policy are linked.

“The fundamental issue involves community participation: who is entitled to navigate marine territories, and who decides what happens on it? The canoe serve as a method to begin that dialogue.”