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During the autumn month of October on Lifou island, a ancient-style canoe was set afloat in the lagoon – a small act that represented a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the first launch of a heritage boat on Lifou in living memory, an event that brought together the island’s primary tribal groups in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was the driving force behind the launch. For the past eight years, he has overseen a program that works to resurrect heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Numerous traditional boats have been crafted in an effort designed to reconnect native Kanak communities with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure says the boats also facilitate the “opening of discussions” around ocean rights and environmental policies.

Global Outreach

In July, he visited France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for ocean governance shaped with and by native populations that acknowledge their connection to the ocean.

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

Canoes hold significant historical importance in New Caledonia. They once stood for movement, interaction and tribal partnerships across islands, but those customs declined under colonial rule and religious conversion efforts.

Tradition Revival

The initiative started in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was exploring how to restore heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure worked with the government and after two years the boat building initiative – known as Project Kenu Waan – was launched.

“The biggest challenge wasn’t wood collection, it was convincing people,” he says.

Project Achievements

The initiative aimed to restore ancestral sailing methods, train young builders and use vessel construction to strengthen cultural identity and island partnerships.

Up to now, the group has produced an exhibition, released a publication and supported the creation or repair of nearly three dozen boats – from Goro to Ponerihouen.

Material Advantages

In contrast to many other island territories where deforestation has limited lumber availability, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for carving large hulls.

“Elsewhere, they often use marine plywood. In our location, we can still craft from natural timber,” he says. “It makes a crucial distinction.”

The boats constructed under the program combine oceanic vessel shapes with regional navigation methods.

Educational Expansion

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been instructing maritime travel and heritage building techniques at the University of New Caledonia.

“It’s the first time this knowledge are included at advanced education. It goes beyond textbooks – it’s something I’ve lived. I’ve crossed oceans on these canoes. I’ve cried tears of joy while accomplishing this.”

Island Cooperation

He voyaged with the crew of the Fijian vessel, the Fijian canoe that traveled to Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2024.

“Throughout the region, including our location, it’s the same movement,” he explains. “We’re reclaiming the sea as a community.”

Governance Efforts

This past July, Tikoure journeyed to the French city to share a “Kanak vision of the marine environment” when he met with Macron and other leaders.

Before state and foreign officials, he pushed for cooperative sea policies based on local practices and local engagement.

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

Current Development

Today, when navigators from various island nations – from Fiji, Micronesia and New Zealand – come to Lifou, they examine vessels together, adjust the structure and ultimately navigate in unison.

“It’s not about duplicating the old models, we help them develop.”

Integrated Mission

For Tikoure, instructing mariners and advocating environmental policy are linked.

“The core concept concerns how we involve people: who has the right to navigate marine territories, and what authority governs what occurs in these waters? Heritage boats is a way to initiate that discussion.”