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In October on Lifou island, a double-hulled canoe was set afloat in the coastal lagoon – a small act that marked a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the inaugural voyage of a heritage boat on Lifou in living memory, an event that brought together the island’s main family lineages in a uncommon display of togetherness.

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

Many heritage vessels have been crafted in an initiative intended to reunite native Kanak communities with their seafaring legacy. Tikoure states the boats also help the “beginning of dialogue” around ocean rights and environmental policies.

International Advocacy

During the summer month of July, he journeyed to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, calling for marine policies created in consultation with and by native populations that recognise their maritime heritage.

“Forefathers always navigated the ocean. We forgot that knowledge for a period,” Tikoure explains. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Traditional vessels hold deep cultural significance in New Caledonia. They once stood for mobility, trade and family cooperations across islands, but those practices declined under foreign occupation and missionary influences.

Heritage Restoration

This mission commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was looking at how to restore ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure partnered with the authorities and after two years the vessel restoration program – known as Kenu Waan project – was established.

“The most difficult aspect didn’t involve cutting down trees, it was persuading communities,” he explains.

Program Successes

The program worked to bring back ancestral sailing methods, mentor apprentice constructors and use boat-building to enhance community pride and island partnerships.

Up to now, the group has produced an exhibition, issued a volume and enabled the creation or repair of around 30 canoes – from Goro to the northern shoreline.

Material Advantages

Different from many other Pacific islands where deforestation has reduced lumber availability, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for crafting substantial vessels.

“In other places, they often use marine plywood. Locally, we can still carve solid logs,” he explains. “This creates a crucial distinction.”

The boats constructed under the Kenu Waan Project combine Polynesian hull design with local sailing systems.

Educational Expansion

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been instructing maritime travel and heritage building techniques at the local university.

“For the first time ever this knowledge are taught at graduate studies. It’s not theory – these are experiences I’ve experienced. I’ve navigated major waters on traditional boats. I’ve cried tears of joy during these journeys.”

Island Cooperation

Tikoure sailed with the team of the traditional boat, the heritage craft that traveled to Tonga for the oceanic conference in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, including our location, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he states. “We’re reclaiming the sea as a community.”

Governance Efforts

In July, Tikoure journeyed to Nice, France to share a “Indigenous perspective of the sea” when he had discussions with Macron and government representatives.

Addressing official and international delegates, he advocated for shared maritime governance based on Indigenous traditions and community involvement.

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

Current Development

Now, when navigators from throughout the region – from Fiji, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – arrive in Lifou, they study canoes together, refine the construction and eventually navigate in unison.

“It’s not about duplicating the traditional forms, we enable their progression.”

Integrated Mission

According to Tikoure, educating sailors and supporting ecological regulations are connected.

“It’s all about public engagement: what permissions exist to move across the sea, and who determines what happens in these waters? Traditional vessels is a way to start that conversation.”