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During the autumn month of October on the island of Lifou, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was pushed into the turquoise waters – a seemingly minor event that marked a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the first launch of a heritage boat on Lifou in living memory, an event that united the island’s primary tribal groups in a uncommon display of togetherness.

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was the driving force behind the launch. For the past eight years, he has spearheaded a program that works to resurrect ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been built in an initiative aimed at reconnecting Indigenous Kanak people with their maritime heritage. Tikoure states the boats also help the “opening of discussions” around ocean rights and environmental policies.

Diplomatic Efforts

During the summer month of July, he journeyed to France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for maritime regulations developed alongside and by Indigenous communities that recognise their maritime heritage.

“Our ancestors always crossed the sea. We lost that for a period,” Tikoure states. “Today we’re reclaiming it again.”

Canoes hold significant historical importance in New Caledonia. They once symbolised movement, trade and tribal partnerships across islands, but those customs declined under colonial rule and religious conversion efforts.

Tradition Revival

This mission commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was looking at how to reintroduce ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure worked with the authorities and two years later the vessel restoration program – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was launched.

“The most difficult aspect wasn’t cutting down trees, it was convincing people,” he notes.

Initiative Accomplishments

The initiative worked to bring back ancestral sailing methods, train young builders and use canoe-making to reinforce traditional heritage and regional collaboration.

To date, the organization has produced an exhibition, released a publication and enabled the building or renovation of around 30 canoes – from the far south to Ponerihouen.

Natural Resources

In contrast to many other oceanic nations where deforestation has limited wood resources, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for crafting substantial vessels.

“There, they often work with marine plywood. Locally, we can still work with whole trees,” he explains. “This creates a significant advantage.”

The vessels built under the Kenu Waan Project combine oceanic vessel shapes with Melanesian rigging.

Academic Integration

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been instructing navigation and heritage building techniques at the educational institution.

“This marks the initial occasion these subjects are included at advanced education. It’s not theory – these are experiences I’ve lived. I’ve sailed vast distances on these vessels. I’ve experienced profound emotion while accomplishing this.”

Regional Collaboration

He voyaged with the team of the Uto ni Yalo, the Pacific vessel that traveled to Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, through various islands, this represents a unified effort,” he says. “We’re restoring the ocean together.”

Political Engagement

In July, Tikoure travelled to Nice, France to present a “Indigenous perspective of the marine environment” when he had discussions with Macron and additional officials.

Before state and foreign officials, he pushed for shared maritime governance based on Kanak custom and local engagement.

“You have to involve these communities – most importantly those who live from fishing.”

Contemporary Evolution

Now, when navigators from various island nations – from Fiji, Micronesia and New Zealand – come to Lifou, they examine vessels together, adjust the structure and finally navigate in unison.

“It’s not about duplicating the traditional forms, we help them develop.”

Integrated Mission

According to Tikoure, teaching navigation and promoting conservation measures are connected.

“The core concept concerns community participation: what permissions exist to travel ocean waters, and who determines what happens in these waters? Heritage boats serve as a method to initiate that discussion.”