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This past October on the island of Lifou, a double-hulled canoe was set afloat in the turquoise waters – a seemingly minor event that represented a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the inaugural voyage of a ancestral vessel on Lifou in generations, an event that brought together the island’s three chiefly clans in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Seafarer and campaigner Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the previous eight-year period, he has led a initiative that aims to revive ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been constructed in an project aimed at reconnecting native Kanak communities with their maritime heritage. Tikoure states the boats also help the “opening of discussions” around maritime entitlements and environmental policies.

International Advocacy

This past July, he travelled to France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for marine policies created in consultation with and by local tribes that acknowledge their maritime heritage.

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

Traditional vessels hold deep cultural meaning in New Caledonia. They once symbolised movement, exchange and clan alliances across islands, but those customs declined under colonial rule and religious conversion efforts.

Heritage Restoration

This mission started in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was considering how to reintroduce ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure collaborated with the administration and after two years the boat building initiative – known as Kenu Waan project – was established.

“The most difficult aspect wasn’t harvesting timber, it was convincing people,” he explains.

Program Successes

The program worked to bring back traditional navigation techniques, train young builders and use boat-building to reinforce community pride and island partnerships.

Up to now, the team has produced an exhibition, issued a volume and supported the construction or restoration of nearly three dozen boats – from the far south to the northeastern coast.

Resource Benefits

Unlike many other Pacific islands where deforestation has limited lumber availability, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for crafting substantial vessels.

“There, they often employ modern composites. Here, we can still work with whole trees,” he states. “That represents a significant advantage.”

The boats constructed under the Kenu Waan Project integrate Polynesian hull design with local sailing systems.

Teaching Development

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been instructing maritime travel and traditional construction history at the local university.

“This marks the initial occasion this knowledge are taught at master’s level. It’s not theory – this is knowledge I’ve experienced. I’ve sailed vast distances on these vessels. I’ve cried tears of joy during these journeys.”

Island Cooperation

Tikoure sailed with the crew of the Uto ni Yalo, the Pacific vessel that journeyed to Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, from Fiji to here, it’s the same movement,” he says. “We’re taking back the sea collectively.”

Policy Advocacy

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

Before state and international delegates, he pushed for cooperative sea policies based on Kanak custom and community involvement.

“It’s essential to include them – especially people dependent on marine resources.”

Modern Adaptation

Now, when mariners from throughout the region – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and New Zealand – visit Lifou, they examine vessels together, refine the construction and ultimately voyage together.

“It’s not about duplicating the old models, we make them evolve.”

Comprehensive Vision

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

“The core concept concerns community participation: who is entitled to travel ocean waters, and what authority governs what happens in these waters? The canoe serve as a method to initiate that discussion.”