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In October on Lifou island, a ancient-style canoe was set afloat in the lagoon – a small act that signified a profoundly important moment.

It was the maiden journey of a traditional canoe on Lifou in many decades, an gathering that assembled the island’s main family lineages in a rare show of unity.

Seafarer and campaigner Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the past eight years, he has spearheaded a program that aims to revive traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been built in an project intended to reunite local Kanak populations with their maritime heritage. Tikoure states the boats also facilitate the “opening of discussions” around sea access rights and environmental policies.

Global Outreach

In July, he visited France and met President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for ocean governance created in consultation with and by native populations that recognise their maritime heritage.

“Forefathers always navigated the ocean. We lost that for a while,” Tikoure states. “Now we’re finding it again.”

Heritage boats hold significant historical meaning in New Caledonia. They once stood for mobility, exchange and tribal partnerships across islands, but those traditions diminished under colonisation and missionary influences.

Heritage Restoration

His journey began in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was looking at how to restore traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure partnered with the administration and following a two-year period the vessel restoration program – known as Project Kenu Waan – was launched.

“The most difficult aspect was not harvesting timber, it was gaining local support,” he notes.

Program Successes

The program sought to revive heritage voyaging practices, train young builders and use canoe-making to reinforce cultural identity and island partnerships.

To date, the organization has produced an exhibition, published a book and supported the construction or restoration of approximately thirty vessels – from Goro to Ponerihouen.

Natural Resources

Different from many other oceanic nations where tree loss has reduced lumber availability, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for carving large hulls.

“There, they often employ marine plywood. Here, we can still carve solid logs,” he says. “That represents a significant advantage.”

The vessels built under the Kenu Waan Project combine oceanic vessel shapes with local sailing systems.

Teaching Development

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been educating students in maritime travel and ancestral craft methods at the University of New Caledonia.

“It’s the first time these topics are included at graduate studies. This isn’t academic – these are experiences I’ve lived. I’ve sailed vast distances on these vessels. I’ve cried tears of joy doing it.”

Island Cooperation

He traveled with the crew of the Uto ni Yalo, the heritage craft that traveled to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“Throughout the region, through various islands, it’s the same movement,” he says. “We’re restoring the maritime heritage as a community.”

Governance Efforts

This past July, Tikoure travelled to the European location to introduce a “Traditional understanding of the ocean” when he conferred with Macron and government representatives.

In front of government and foreign officials, he pushed for shared maritime governance based on Indigenous traditions and local engagement.

“You have to involve local populations – most importantly people dependent on marine resources.”

Modern Adaptation

Currently, when mariners from various island nations – from Fiji, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – come to Lifou, they analyze boats in cooperation, refine the construction and eventually sail side by side.

“It’s not about duplicating the ancient designs, we help them develop.”

Integrated Mission

In his view, teaching navigation and promoting conservation measures are connected.

“The fundamental issue involves public engagement: what permissions exist to move across the sea, and who determines what occurs in these waters? Traditional vessels is a way to start that conversation.”