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In October on Lifou, a double-hulled canoe was set afloat in the turquoise waters – a simple gesture that marked a profoundly important moment.

It was the inaugural voyage of a heritage boat on Lifou in many decades, an occasion that united the island’s primary tribal groups in a uncommon display of togetherness.

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the past eight years, he has overseen a project that seeks to restore heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Numerous traditional boats have been crafted in an effort intended to reunite Indigenous Kanak people with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure explains the boats also facilitate the “start of conversation” around sea access rights and conservation measures.

International Advocacy

This past July, he travelled to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, calling for marine policies developed alongside and by Indigenous communities that acknowledge their connection to the ocean.

“Previous generations always navigated the ocean. We abandoned that practice for a while,” Tikoure says. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Heritage boats hold deep cultural importance in New Caledonia. They once stood for mobility, trade and clan alliances across islands, but those practices declined under colonial rule and missionary influences.

Cultural Reclamation

This mission began in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was looking at how to reintroduce traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure worked with the authorities and following a two-year period the boat building initiative – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was launched.

“The most difficult aspect didn’t involve harvesting timber, it was gaining local support,” he says.

Initiative Accomplishments

The Kenu Waan project worked to bring back heritage voyaging practices, mentor apprentice constructors and use canoe-making to strengthen cultural identity and island partnerships.

Up to now, the team has created a display, released a publication and supported the building or renovation of approximately thirty vessels – from the southern region to Ponerihouen.

Natural Resources

Different from many other island territories where tree loss has limited wood resources, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for constructing major boats.

“There, they often employ marine plywood. Here, we can still craft from natural timber,” he explains. “That represents all the difference.”

The canoes built under the program combine Polynesian hull design with local sailing systems.

Educational Expansion

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been educating students in maritime travel and ancestral craft methods at the educational institution.

“It’s the first time this knowledge are offered at graduate studies. It goes beyond textbooks – it’s something I’ve lived. I’ve sailed vast distances on traditional boats. I’ve experienced profound emotion during these journeys.”

Pacific Partnerships

He traveled with the team of the Fijian vessel, the Pacific vessel that sailed to Tonga for the oceanic conference in 2024.

“Throughout the region, from Fiji to here, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he says. “We’re taking back the maritime heritage together.”

Political Engagement

During the summer, Tikoure travelled to the French city to share a “Traditional understanding of the ocean” when he had discussions with Macron and other leaders.

Before state and international delegates, he advocated for cooperative sea policies based on Kanak custom and local engagement.

“You have to involve them – particularly those who live from fishing.”

Contemporary Evolution

Now, when navigators from various island nations – from Fiji, Micronesia and New Zealand – arrive in Lifou, they examine vessels together, refine the construction and ultimately voyage together.

“It’s not about duplicating the old models, we make them evolve.”

Holistic Approach

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

“It’s all about community participation: who has the right to travel ocean waters, and what authority governs which activities take place in these waters? Heritage boats serve as a method to begin that dialogue.”