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In October on Lifou island, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was launched into the lagoon – a simple gesture that signified a highly meaningful moment.

It was the first launch of a ancestral vessel on Lifou in generations, an event that brought together the island’s main family lineages 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 led a program that aims to revive ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Numerous traditional boats have been crafted in an effort aimed at reconnecting Indigenous Kanak people with their maritime heritage. Tikoure says the boats also facilitate the “beginning of dialogue” around sea access rights and ecological regulations.

International Advocacy

In July, he visited France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for marine policies developed alongside and by native populations that honor their maritime heritage.

“Forefathers always navigated the ocean. We lost that for a period,” Tikoure explains. “Today we’re reclaiming it again.”

Canoes hold significant historical importance in New Caledonia. They once stood for mobility, exchange and tribal partnerships across islands, but those practices diminished under colonial rule and missionary influences.

Heritage Restoration

His journey commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was considering how to restore heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure partnered with the government and two years later the canoe construction project – known as Project Kenu Waan – was established.

“The hardest part was not cutting down trees, it was convincing people,” he explains.

Project Achievements

The program sought to revive heritage voyaging practices, mentor apprentice constructors and use vessel construction to enhance traditional heritage and regional collaboration.

So far, the team has created a display, issued a volume and supported the creation or repair of nearly three dozen boats – from the far south to Ponerihouen.

Natural Resources

In contrast to many other Pacific islands where forest clearing has reduced lumber availability, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for constructing major boats.

“There, they often work with modern composites. In our location, we can still craft from natural timber,” he says. “This creates a significant advantage.”

The vessels built under the Kenu Waan Project combine traditional boat forms with local sailing systems.

Academic Integration

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been educating students in maritime travel and ancestral craft methods at the local university.

“It’s the first time these subjects are offered at advanced education. It’s not theory – it’s something I’ve experienced. I’ve navigated major waters on these vessels. I’ve cried tears of joy during these journeys.”

Island Cooperation

He traveled with the crew of the Uto ni Yalo, the heritage craft that traveled to Tonga for the oceanic conference in 2024.

“Throughout the region, from Fiji to here, it’s the same movement,” he says. “We’re reclaiming the sea together.”

Governance Efforts

This past July, Tikoure journeyed to the French city to present a “Kanak vision of the marine environment” when he conferred with Macron and additional officials.

Addressing official and international delegates, he pushed for cooperative sea policies based on local practices and local engagement.

“It’s essential to include local populations – most importantly those who live from fishing.”

Current Development

Currently, when sailors from various island nations – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and Aotearoa – arrive in Lifou, they study canoes together, modify the design and ultimately voyage together.

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

Comprehensive Vision

For Tikoure, teaching navigation and advocating environmental policy are interrelated.

“The core concept concerns how we involve people: who is entitled to navigate marine territories, and what authority governs which activities take place there? The canoe is a way to initiate that discussion.”