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In October on Lifou, a double-hulled canoe was set afloat in the coastal lagoon – a simple gesture that signified a profoundly important moment.

It was the first launch of a traditional canoe on Lifou in many decades, an occasion that united the island’s primary tribal groups in a rare show of unity.

Seafarer and campaigner Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the previous eight-year period, he has spearheaded a program that seeks to restore traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been crafted in an effort aimed at reconnecting native Kanak communities with their maritime heritage. Tikoure states the boats also help the “start of conversation” around ocean rights and environmental policies.

Global Outreach

In July, he journeyed to France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for marine policies developed alongside and by native populations that recognise their maritime heritage.

“Forefathers always navigated the ocean. We forgot that knowledge for a period,” Tikoure says. “Today we’re reclaiming it again.”

Traditional vessels hold profound traditional significance in New Caledonia. They once stood for travel, trade and family cooperations across islands, but those customs faded under colonisation and religious conversion efforts.

Heritage Restoration

The initiative started in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was considering how to reintroduce ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure worked with the administration and after two years the boat building initiative – known as Project Kenu Waan – was born.

“The most difficult aspect was not wood collection, it was persuading communities,” he notes.

Program Successes

The Kenu Waan project aimed to restore heritage voyaging practices, train young builders and use boat-building to strengthen community pride and inter-island cooperation.

To date, the group has produced an exhibition, issued a volume and enabled the creation or repair of around 30 canoes – from the far south to the northeastern coast.

Resource Benefits

In contrast to many other oceanic nations where deforestation has limited wood resources, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for constructing major boats.

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

The canoes created under the Kenu Waan Project merge Polynesian hull design with Melanesian rigging.

Educational Expansion

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been educating students in navigation and traditional construction history at the educational institution.

“For the first time ever this knowledge are taught at master’s level. It goes beyond textbooks – it’s something I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve sailed vast distances on these vessels. I’ve cried tears of joy while accomplishing this.”

Island Cooperation

He voyaged with the members of the Fijian vessel, the heritage craft that sailed to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“Throughout the region, through various islands, this represents a unified effort,” he states. “We’re taking back the sea together.”

Governance Efforts

This past July, Tikoure journeyed to Nice, France to share a “Traditional understanding of the sea” when he had discussions with Macron and additional officials.

Addressing official and international delegates, he argued for collaborative ocean management based on Kanak custom and community involvement.

“We must engage local populations – particularly people dependent on marine resources.”

Current Development

Today, when mariners from across the Pacific – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and Aotearoa – come to Lifou, they examine vessels collectively, adjust the structure and eventually navigate in unison.

“We’re not simply replicating the ancient designs, we make them evolve.”

Integrated Mission

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

“The core concept concerns how we involve people: what permissions exist to navigate marine territories, and who determines which activities take place there? Heritage boats is a way to initiate that discussion.”