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This past October on Lifou island, a ancient-style canoe was launched into the coastal lagoon – a seemingly minor event that signified a highly meaningful moment.

It was the maiden journey of a heritage boat on Lifou in living memory, an occasion that united the island’s three chiefly clans in a uncommon display of togetherness.

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

Many heritage vessels have been crafted in an project designed to reconnect Indigenous Kanak people with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure says the boats also help the “opening of discussions” around sea access rights and environmental policies.

Diplomatic Efforts

In July, he journeyed to France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for ocean governance shaped with and by local tribes that recognise their relationship with the sea.

“Forefathers always crossed the sea. We forgot that knowledge for a while,” Tikoure says. “Now we’re finding it again.”

Heritage boats hold profound traditional importance in New Caledonia. They once symbolised movement, interaction and clan alliances across islands, but those customs declined under colonial rule and religious conversion efforts.

Tradition Revival

The initiative started in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was considering how to restore traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure collaborated with the administration and after two years the boat building initiative – known as Project Kenu Waan – was launched.

“The biggest challenge wasn’t wood collection, it was gaining local support,” he says.

Initiative Accomplishments

The program sought to revive heritage voyaging practices, train young builders and use canoe-making to reinforce community pride and regional collaboration.

Up to now, the team has created a display, released a publication and enabled the building or renovation of approximately thirty vessels – from Goro to the northeastern coast.

Natural Resources

Unlike many other island territories where forest clearing has reduced wood resources, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for carving large hulls.

“Elsewhere, they often work with synthetic materials. Locally, we can still craft from natural timber,” he explains. “This creates a crucial distinction.”

The boats created under the program merge Polynesian hull design with Melanesian rigging.

Teaching Development

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been instructing seafaring and traditional construction history at the local university.

“This marks the initial occasion these subjects are offered at graduate studies. It goes beyond textbooks – it’s something I’ve experienced. I’ve navigated major waters on these vessels. I’ve experienced profound emotion doing it.”

Regional Collaboration

Tikoure sailed with the team of the traditional boat, the Fijian canoe that sailed to Tonga for the oceanic conference in 2024.

“Across the Pacific, through various islands, this represents a unified effort,” he explains. “We’re restoring the ocean collectively.”

Governance Efforts

This past July, Tikoure visited the French city to introduce a “Traditional understanding of the marine environment” when he had discussions with Macron and additional officials.

In front of government and foreign officials, he advocated for cooperative sea policies based on Indigenous traditions and participation.

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

Contemporary Evolution

Currently, when mariners from various island nations – from Fiji, Micronesia and New Zealand – visit Lifou, they analyze boats collectively, modify the design and finally navigate in unison.

“We don’t just copy the ancient designs, we make them evolve.”

Holistic Approach

According to Tikoure, educating sailors and supporting ecological regulations are interrelated.

“The fundamental issue involves community participation: who has the right to navigate marine territories, and who decides what occurs there? Traditional vessels function as a means to start that conversation.”