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In October on Lifou island, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was pushed into the turquoise waters – a small act that marked a highly meaningful moment.

It was the inaugural voyage of a traditional canoe on Lifou in generations, an gathering that assembled the island’s main family lineages in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Seafarer and campaigner Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the past eight years, he has spearheaded a project that works to resurrect ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been constructed in an initiative designed to reconnect local Kanak populations with their seafaring legacy. Tikoure says the boats also help the “start of conversation” around sea access rights and environmental policies.

International Advocacy

In July, he journeyed to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for marine policies developed alongside and by Indigenous communities that recognise their connection to the ocean.

“Forefathers always crossed the sea. We abandoned that practice for a time,” Tikoure explains. “Today we’re reclaiming it again.”

Heritage boats hold significant historical meaning in New Caledonia. They once represented travel, trade and tribal partnerships across islands, but those practices declined under colonial rule and outside cultural pressures.

Tradition Revival

His journey commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was looking at how to reintroduce ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure collaborated with the administration and after two years the boat building initiative – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was born.

“The biggest challenge didn’t involve cutting down trees, it was convincing people,” he explains.

Program Successes

The initiative aimed to restore traditional navigation techniques, train young builders and use canoe-making to strengthen community pride and regional collaboration.

To date, the group has organized a showcase, released a publication and supported the building or renovation of around 30 canoes – from the southern region to the northern shoreline.

Resource Benefits

Different from many other Pacific islands where deforestation has reduced wood resources, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for constructing major boats.

“In other places, they often use marine plywood. In our location, we can still craft from natural timber,” he says. “It makes a crucial distinction.”

The vessels built under the Kenu Waan Project integrate Polynesian hull design with regional navigation methods.

Teaching Development

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been instructing seafaring and traditional construction history at the local university.

“It’s the first time these topics are offered at graduate studies. It goes beyond textbooks – it’s something I’ve experienced. I’ve navigated major waters on these canoes. I’ve cried tears of joy while accomplishing this.”

Pacific Partnerships

He voyaged with the team of the traditional boat, the Pacific vessel that sailed to Tonga for the oceanic conference in 2024.

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

Governance Efforts

In July, Tikoure journeyed to Nice, France to share a “Traditional understanding of the ocean” when he had discussions with Macron and other leaders.

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

“We must engage these communities – most importantly people dependent on marine resources.”

Current Development

Now, when mariners from throughout the region – from Fiji, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – visit Lifou, they analyze boats in cooperation, refine the construction and ultimately sail side by side.

“We don’t just copy the old models, we help them develop.”

Integrated Mission

For Tikoure, educating sailors and advocating environmental policy are linked.

“The fundamental issue involves how we involve people: what permissions exist to move across the sea, and what authority governs what occurs in these waters? The canoe serve as a method to begin that dialogue.”