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This past October on the island of Lifou, a ancient-style canoe was pushed into the turquoise waters – a simple gesture that marked a highly meaningful moment.

It was the first launch of a traditional canoe on Lifou in living memory, an gathering that united the island’s main family lineages in a uncommon display of togetherness.

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the past eight years, he has overseen a program that works to resurrect ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been built in an initiative aimed at reconnecting local Kanak populations with their maritime heritage. Tikoure explains the boats also help the “beginning of dialogue” around sea access rights and conservation measures.

International Advocacy

During the summer month of July, he travelled to France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for ocean governance created in consultation with and by local tribes that recognise their relationship with the sea.

“Our ancestors always crossed the sea. We lost that for a period,” Tikoure says. “Today we’re reclaiming it again.”

Heritage boats hold significant historical meaning in New Caledonia. They once stood for travel, interaction and family cooperations across islands, but those traditions declined under colonial rule and missionary influences.

Tradition Revival

His journey began in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was considering how to bring back ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure partnered with the authorities and after two years the canoe construction project – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was launched.

“The most difficult aspect wasn’t cutting down trees, it was gaining local support,” he notes.

Program Successes

The Kenu Waan project aimed to restore heritage voyaging practices, train young builders and use boat-building to enhance community pride and island partnerships.

To date, the group has produced an exhibition, published a book and enabled the creation or repair of nearly three dozen boats – from Goro to the northern shoreline.

Material Advantages

Unlike many other Pacific islands where forest clearing has limited lumber availability, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for constructing major boats.

“In other places, they often use modern composites. In our location, we can still carve solid logs,” he says. “It makes all the difference.”

The canoes constructed under the Kenu Waan Project combine oceanic vessel shapes with Melanesian rigging.

Teaching Development

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been teaching maritime travel and traditional construction history at the educational institution.

“For the first time ever these subjects are taught at advanced education. This isn’t academic – these are experiences I’ve experienced. I’ve sailed vast distances on these canoes. I’ve cried tears of joy while accomplishing this.”

Island Cooperation

Tikoure sailed with the members of the Uto ni Yalo, the heritage craft that traveled to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“Across the Pacific, from Fiji to here, it’s the same movement,” he states. “We’re restoring the ocean as a community.”

Policy Advocacy

During the summer, Tikoure visited the French city to present a “Kanak vision of the ocean” when he conferred with Macron and other leaders.

Addressing official and foreign officials, he pushed for shared maritime governance based on Kanak custom and local engagement.

“We must engage local populations – especially fishing communities.”

Contemporary Evolution

Now, when mariners from throughout the region – from the Fijian islands, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – visit Lifou, they analyze boats together, refine the construction and finally voyage together.

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

Integrated Mission

For Tikoure, educating sailors and supporting ecological regulations are connected.

“The fundamental issue involves how we involve people: who is entitled to move across the sea, and who determines which activities take place in these waters? Traditional vessels function as a means to begin that dialogue.”