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In October on Lifou island, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was launched into the lagoon – a seemingly minor event that signified a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the maiden journey of a heritage boat on Lifou in generations, an event that united the island’s main family lineages in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the last eight years, he has overseen a initiative that seeks to restore traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been built in an effort designed to reconnect Indigenous Kanak people with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure explains the boats also help the “start of conversation” around sea access rights and ecological regulations.

Diplomatic Efforts

During the summer month of July, he journeyed to France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for marine policies created in consultation with and by local tribes that recognise their relationship with the sea.

“Forefathers always navigated the ocean. We lost that for a while,” Tikoure states. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Canoes hold deep cultural significance in New Caledonia. They once symbolised mobility, trade and family cooperations across islands, but those customs diminished under colonial rule and outside cultural pressures.

Tradition Revival

His journey began in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was considering how to restore ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure partnered with the administration and two years later the canoe construction project – known as Project Kenu Waan – was launched.

“The biggest challenge didn’t involve wood collection, it was gaining local support,” he notes.

Program Successes

The Kenu Waan project sought to revive heritage voyaging practices, educate new craftspeople and use boat-building to enhance traditional heritage and island partnerships.

So far, the group has organized a showcase, published a book and enabled the building or renovation of nearly three dozen boats – from the southern region to Ponerihouen.

Material Advantages

Unlike many other oceanic nations where tree loss has limited timber supplies, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for carving large hulls.

“There, they often use synthetic materials. In our location, we can still work with whole trees,” he explains. “This creates a significant advantage.”

The vessels constructed under the initiative combine traditional boat forms with local sailing systems.

Educational Expansion

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been teaching maritime travel and ancestral craft methods at the educational institution.

“This marks the initial occasion these subjects are taught at advanced education. It goes beyond textbooks – it’s something I’ve lived. I’ve navigated major waters on traditional boats. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness while accomplishing this.”

Island Cooperation

Tikoure sailed with the team of the traditional boat, the Pacific vessel that sailed to Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2024.

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

Policy Advocacy

During the summer, Tikoure travelled to the French city to share a “Indigenous perspective of the sea” when he met with Macron and additional officials.

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

“We must engage them – most importantly fishing communities.”

Modern Adaptation

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

“We don’t just copy the traditional forms, we enable their progression.”

Holistic Approach

In his view, educating sailors and promoting conservation measures are interrelated.

“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? Traditional vessels serve as a method to initiate that discussion.”