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In October on Lifou island, a double-hulled canoe was launched into the turquoise waters – a small act that marked a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the maiden journey of a heritage boat on Lifou in living memory, an occasion that brought together the island’s main family lineages in a rare show of unity.

Seafarer and campaigner Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the last eight years, he has spearheaded a program that aims to revive traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been crafted in an initiative aimed at reconnecting Indigenous Kanak people with their maritime heritage. Tikoure says the boats also promote the “start of conversation” around ocean rights and environmental policies.

International Advocacy

In July, he travelled to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for marine policies shaped with and by native populations that acknowledge their maritime heritage.

“Forefathers always traveled by water. We lost that for a while,” Tikoure states. “Today we’re reclaiming it again.”

Traditional vessels hold profound traditional importance in New Caledonia. They once represented mobility, interaction and clan alliances across islands, but those customs faded under colonial rule and missionary influences.

Cultural Reclamation

His journey commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was exploring how to bring back traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure worked with the authorities and after two years the vessel restoration program – known as Project Kenu Waan – was born.

“The biggest challenge wasn’t wood collection, it was persuading communities,” he explains.

Program Successes

The program sought to revive ancestral sailing methods, mentor apprentice constructors and use boat-building to strengthen traditional heritage and island partnerships.

To date, the organization has produced an exhibition, published a book and enabled the creation or repair of approximately thirty vessels – from the far south to Ponerihouen.

Natural Resources

Different from many other oceanic nations where deforestation has limited lumber availability, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for constructing major boats.

“There, they often work with modern composites. In our location, we can still carve solid logs,” he explains. “That represents a significant advantage.”

The boats constructed under the program integrate oceanic vessel shapes with local sailing systems.

Teaching Development

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

“For the first time ever these subjects are offered at master’s level. It’s not theory – these are experiences I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve crossed oceans on these canoes. I’ve cried tears of joy doing it.”

Regional Collaboration

He voyaged with the members of the Uto ni Yalo, the Fijian canoe that traveled to Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2024.

“Throughout the region, including our location, this represents a unified effort,” he says. “We’re reclaiming the sea together.”

Policy Advocacy

In July, Tikoure travelled to Nice, France to introduce a “Kanak vision of the ocean” when he had discussions with Macron and additional officials.

Before state and overseas representatives, he advocated for shared maritime governance based on Indigenous traditions and local engagement.

“You have to involve local populations – especially fishing communities.”

Modern Adaptation

Today, when mariners from throughout the region – from the Fijian islands, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – visit Lifou, they study canoes in cooperation, modify the design and ultimately navigate in unison.

“We’re not simply replicating the traditional forms, we help them develop.”

Holistic Approach

According to Tikoure, teaching navigation and supporting ecological regulations are interrelated.

“The core concept concerns how we involve people: who has the right to move across the sea, and what authority governs what occurs there? Heritage boats serve as a method to start that conversation.”