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During the autumn month of October on Lifou island, a ancient-style canoe was launched into the coastal lagoon – a small act that represented a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the inaugural voyage of a ancestral vessel on Lifou in generations, an occasion that brought together the island’s primary tribal groups in a uncommon display of togetherness.

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

Numerous traditional boats have been built in an effort designed to reconnect local Kanak populations with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure explains the boats also promote the “start of conversation” around ocean rights and conservation measures.

Diplomatic Efforts

In July, he visited France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for maritime regulations created in consultation with and by Indigenous communities that recognise their connection to the ocean.

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

Traditional vessels hold deep cultural meaning in New Caledonia. They once represented mobility, exchange and tribal partnerships across islands, but those customs diminished under colonisation and religious conversion efforts.

Heritage Restoration

His journey began in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was exploring how to reintroduce ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure worked with the authorities and after two years the canoe construction project – known as Project Kenu Waan – was born.

“The most difficult aspect didn’t involve cutting down trees, it was gaining local support,” he explains.

Project Achievements

The program sought to revive heritage voyaging practices, train young builders and use boat-building to strengthen community pride and regional collaboration.

Up to now, the group has produced an exhibition, published a book and supported the construction or restoration of around 30 canoes – from Goro to Ponerihouen.

Natural Resources

Different from many other island territories where forest clearing has limited lumber availability, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for constructing major boats.

“There, they often work with marine plywood. Locally, we can still craft from natural timber,” he states. “It makes a significant advantage.”

The boats created under the Kenu Waan Project merge Polynesian hull design with regional navigation methods.

Educational Expansion

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been teaching navigation and ancestral craft methods at the educational institution.

“For the first time ever this knowledge are offered at master’s level. This isn’t academic – it’s something I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve crossed oceans on these canoes. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness while accomplishing this.”

Pacific Partnerships

He traveled with the members of the traditional boat, the Pacific vessel that journeyed to Tonga for the oceanic conference in 2024.

“Throughout the region, through various islands, this represents a unified effort,” he explains. “We’re reclaiming the maritime heritage collectively.”

Policy Advocacy

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

Addressing official and overseas representatives, he advocated for collaborative ocean management based on Indigenous traditions and local engagement.

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

Contemporary Evolution

Now, when navigators from across the Pacific – from Fiji, Micronesia and Aotearoa – come to Lifou, they study canoes in cooperation, adjust the structure and finally sail side by side.

“We don’t just copy the traditional forms, we help them develop.”

Comprehensive Vision

In his view, instructing mariners and advocating environmental policy are linked.

“It’s all about community participation: who is entitled to travel ocean waters, and who decides what happens on it? Heritage boats is a way to initiate that discussion.”