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In October on Lifou island, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was launched into the coastal lagoon – a simple gesture that marked a profoundly important moment.

It was the maiden journey of a ancestral vessel on Lifou in living memory, an occasion that assembled the island’s primary tribal groups in a rare show of unity.

Seafarer and campaigner Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the past eight years, he has overseen a project that works to resurrect heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been constructed in an project intended to reunite Indigenous Kanak people with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure states the boats also promote the “beginning of dialogue” around maritime entitlements and conservation measures.

Global Outreach

During the summer month of July, he travelled to France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for marine policies developed alongside and by Indigenous communities that recognise their maritime heritage.

“Previous generations always crossed the sea. We abandoned that practice for a while,” Tikoure states. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Heritage boats hold significant historical meaning in New Caledonia. They once represented mobility, trade and tribal partnerships across islands, but those practices diminished under colonial rule and religious conversion efforts.

Tradition Revival

His journey started in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was looking at how to reintroduce traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure partnered with the administration and two years later the boat building initiative – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was established.

“The most difficult aspect wasn’t cutting down trees, it was convincing people,” he notes.

Project Achievements

The initiative sought to revive heritage voyaging practices, educate new craftspeople and use boat-building to reinforce community pride and island partnerships.

So far, the organization has produced an exhibition, released a publication and supported the building or renovation of around 30 canoes – from the far south to Ponerihouen.

Resource Benefits

In contrast to many other Pacific islands where deforestation has diminished wood resources, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for crafting substantial vessels.

“There, they often employ modern composites. In our location, we can still craft from natural timber,” he states. “That represents a significant advantage.”

The canoes built under the initiative merge oceanic vessel shapes with local sailing systems.

Teaching Development

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been teaching seafaring and heritage building techniques at the local university.

“This marks the initial occasion these subjects are included at graduate studies. It goes beyond textbooks – it’s something I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve sailed vast distances on these canoes. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness doing it.”

Island Cooperation

Tikoure sailed with the crew of the Fijian vessel, the heritage craft that sailed to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, through various islands, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he says. “We’re restoring the maritime heritage collectively.”

Policy Advocacy

During the summer, Tikoure travelled to Nice, France to share a “Traditional understanding of the sea” when he met with Macron and government representatives.

In front of government and overseas representatives, he pushed for cooperative sea policies based on Indigenous traditions and participation.

“We must engage local populations – most importantly fishing communities.”

Contemporary Evolution

Currently, when navigators from across the Pacific – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and Aotearoa – come to Lifou, they study canoes in cooperation, refine the construction and eventually voyage together.

“We don’t just copy the ancient designs, we help them develop.”

Integrated Mission

According to Tikoure, teaching navigation and advocating environmental policy are connected.

“The core concept concerns public engagement: what permissions exist to travel ocean waters, and who determines what happens on it? Traditional vessels function as a means to start that conversation.”