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This past October on Lifou, a ancient-style canoe was launched into the coastal lagoon – a small act that signified a profoundly important moment.

It was the inaugural voyage of a traditional canoe on Lifou in many decades, an event that assembled the island’s main family lineages in a uncommon display of togetherness.

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the last eight years, he has overseen a project that aims to revive ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been constructed in an effort aimed at reconnecting native Kanak communities with their seafaring legacy. Tikoure states the boats also facilitate the “opening of discussions” around ocean rights and conservation measures.

Global Outreach

This past July, he visited France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for marine policies developed alongside and by local tribes that acknowledge their maritime heritage.

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

Traditional vessels hold profound traditional significance in New Caledonia. They once represented mobility, exchange and clan alliances across islands, but those practices faded under colonisation and missionary influences.

Heritage Restoration

This mission began in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was considering how to bring back heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure partnered with the government and after two years the vessel restoration program – known as Kenu Waan project – was established.

“The most difficult aspect wasn’t cutting down trees, it was persuading communities,” he explains.

Initiative Accomplishments

The initiative worked to bring back traditional navigation techniques, educate new craftspeople and use vessel construction to enhance community pride and island partnerships.

Up to now, the group has organized a showcase, released a publication and supported the creation or repair of around 30 canoes – from Goro to the northern shoreline.

Resource Benefits

Unlike many other island territories where forest clearing has limited timber supplies, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for crafting substantial vessels.

“Elsewhere, they often use modern composites. In our location, we can still craft from natural timber,” he states. “That represents a significant advantage.”

The canoes built under the initiative integrate traditional boat forms with Melanesian rigging.

Educational Expansion

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been teaching navigation and traditional construction history at the University of New Caledonia.

“For the first time ever these subjects are included at graduate studies. It’s not theory – these are experiences I’ve experienced. I’ve sailed vast distances on these vessels. I’ve experienced profound emotion doing it.”

Pacific Partnerships

He voyaged with the team of the traditional boat, the Pacific vessel that journeyed to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“Across the Pacific, including our location, it’s the same movement,” he explains. “We’re taking back the ocean together.”

Political Engagement

In July, Tikoure travelled to the French city to introduce a “Indigenous perspective of the ocean” when he conferred with Macron and government representatives.

Addressing official and overseas representatives, he advocated for shared maritime governance based on local practices and local engagement.

“You have to involve local populations – most importantly fishing communities.”

Contemporary Evolution

Today, when mariners from throughout the region – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and Aotearoa – come to Lifou, they analyze boats collectively, modify the design and finally voyage together.

“We’re not simply replicating the old models, we help them develop.”

Integrated Mission

For Tikoure, instructing mariners and advocating environmental policy are connected.

“It’s all about community participation: who has the right to travel ocean waters, and what authority governs which activities take place in these waters? Heritage boats function as a means to initiate that discussion.”