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In October on the island of Lifou, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was pushed into the lagoon – a seemingly minor event that signified a highly meaningful moment.

It was the maiden journey of a traditional canoe on Lifou in generations, an event that united the island’s primary tribal groups in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Seafarer and campaigner Aile Tikoure was the driving force behind the launch. For the previous eight-year period, he has overseen a initiative that works to resurrect traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been crafted in an effort designed to reconnect native Kanak communities with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure says the boats also facilitate the “start of conversation” around sea access rights and conservation measures.

International Advocacy

This past July, he visited France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for marine policies developed alongside and by native populations that recognise their connection to the ocean.

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

Traditional vessels hold profound traditional significance in New Caledonia. They once symbolised mobility, trade and tribal partnerships across islands, but those practices declined under colonisation and religious conversion efforts.

Cultural Reclamation

The initiative started in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was considering how to reintroduce ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure collaborated with the administration and following a two-year period the boat building initiative – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was launched.

“The hardest part was not wood collection, it was convincing people,” he says.

Program Successes

The Kenu Waan project aimed to restore ancestral sailing methods, mentor apprentice constructors and use vessel construction to strengthen community pride and regional collaboration.

Up to now, the group has organized a showcase, issued a volume and facilitated the building or renovation of approximately thirty vessels – from the far south to the northern shoreline.

Natural Resources

Unlike many other oceanic nations where forest clearing has limited wood resources, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for crafting substantial vessels.

“In other places, they often employ synthetic materials. Locally, we can still work with whole trees,” he states. “That represents a crucial distinction.”

The canoes created under the program combine oceanic vessel shapes with Melanesian rigging.

Academic Integration

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been educating students in seafaring and traditional construction history at the University of New Caledonia.

“For the first time ever these topics are included at advanced education. It goes beyond textbooks – these are experiences I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve crossed oceans on these vessels. I’ve experienced profound emotion while accomplishing this.”

Island Cooperation

He traveled with the members of the Uto ni Yalo, the Pacific vessel that sailed to Tonga for the oceanic conference in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, through various islands, this represents a unified effort,” he says. “We’re reclaiming the sea as a community.”

Political Engagement

In July, Tikoure visited Nice, France to introduce a “Traditional understanding of the marine environment” when he had discussions with Macron and additional officials.

Addressing official and international delegates, he advocated for cooperative sea policies based on Kanak custom and community involvement.

“You have to involve them – particularly people dependent on marine resources.”

Modern Adaptation

Today, when sailors from across the Pacific – from Fiji, the Micronesian region and New Zealand – arrive in Lifou, they examine vessels collectively, adjust the structure and ultimately voyage together.

“It’s not about duplicating the traditional forms, we make them evolve.”

Integrated Mission

For Tikoure, educating sailors and promoting conservation measures are linked.

“It’s all about community participation: who is entitled to move across the sea, and who determines what happens on it? Heritage boats serve as a method to start that conversation.”