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During the autumn month of October on the island of Lifou, a ancient-style canoe was pushed into the turquoise waters – a small act that signified a highly meaningful moment.

It was the first launch of a traditional canoe on Lifou in many decades, an occasion 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 overseen a initiative that seeks to restore traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been constructed in an initiative designed to reconnect local Kanak populations with their maritime heritage. Tikoure states the boats also promote the “beginning of dialogue” around sea access rights and conservation measures.

Diplomatic Efforts

In July, he travelled to France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for maritime regulations shaped with and by local tribes that honor their maritime heritage.

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

Canoes hold profound traditional importance in New Caledonia. They once symbolised mobility, exchange and tribal partnerships across islands, but those customs faded under colonial rule and religious conversion efforts.

Tradition Revival

This mission began in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was considering how to bring back ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure partnered with the government and following a two-year period the canoe construction project – known as Project Kenu Waan – was established.

“The most difficult aspect didn’t involve wood collection, it was gaining local support,” he explains.

Program Successes

The Kenu Waan project worked to bring back traditional navigation techniques, mentor apprentice constructors and use boat-building to enhance cultural identity and regional collaboration.

So far, the team has organized a showcase, issued a volume and supported the building or renovation of nearly three dozen boats – from the southern region to the northeastern coast.

Resource Benefits

Different from many other island territories where forest clearing has limited timber supplies, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for carving large hulls.

“There, they often use modern composites. In our location, we can still craft from natural timber,” he says. “That represents all the difference.”

The boats built under the initiative combine Polynesian hull design with Melanesian rigging.

Academic Integration

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been teaching navigation and heritage building techniques at the educational institution.

“This marks the initial occasion these topics are included at graduate studies. It goes beyond textbooks – these are experiences I’ve lived. I’ve navigated major waters on these canoes. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness during these journeys.”

Regional Collaboration

He voyaged with the crew of the Fijian vessel, the Pacific vessel that sailed to Tonga for the oceanic conference in 2024.

“Across the Pacific, including our location, it’s the same movement,” he explains. “We’re reclaiming the ocean together.”

Governance Efforts

This past July, Tikoure travelled to Nice, France to introduce a “Kanak vision of the sea” when he had discussions with Macron and government representatives.

Addressing official and overseas representatives, he advocated for shared maritime governance based on Kanak custom and participation.

“You have to involve local populations – especially people dependent on marine resources.”

Contemporary Evolution

Currently, when navigators from across the Pacific – from the Fijian islands, the Micronesian region and New Zealand – arrive in Lifou, they examine vessels together, adjust the structure and finally sail side by side.

“It’s not about duplicating the traditional forms, we help them develop.”

Integrated Mission

In his view, teaching navigation and promoting conservation measures are linked.

“The core concept concerns public engagement: what permissions exist to navigate marine territories, and who determines what occurs there? The canoe serve as a method to initiate that discussion.”