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This past October on the island of Lifou, a ancient-style canoe was set afloat in the coastal lagoon – a simple gesture that signified a highly meaningful moment.

It was the maiden journey of a traditional canoe on Lifou in generations, an occasion that assembled the island’s three chiefly clans in a uncommon display of togetherness.

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the last eight years, he has spearheaded a program that seeks to restore ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been constructed in an initiative designed to reconnect local Kanak populations with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure explains the boats also facilitate the “opening of discussions” around maritime entitlements and conservation measures.

International Advocacy

During the summer month of July, he visited France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for maritime regulations developed alongside and by native populations that recognise their relationship with the sea.

“Forefathers always traveled by water. We abandoned that practice for a time,” Tikoure states. “Now we’re finding it again.”

Traditional vessels hold deep cultural significance in New Caledonia. They once represented mobility, trade and tribal partnerships across islands, but those practices diminished under foreign occupation and religious conversion efforts.

Tradition Revival

This mission started in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was considering how to bring back ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure worked with the authorities and two years later the boat building initiative – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was born.

“The biggest challenge didn’t involve wood collection, it was convincing people,” he notes.

Program Successes

The Kenu Waan project sought to revive traditional navigation techniques, educate new craftspeople and use canoe-making to strengthen community pride and island partnerships.

Up to now, the team has produced an exhibition, released a publication and enabled the creation or repair of nearly three dozen boats – from the southern region to Ponerihouen.

Material Advantages

In contrast to many other oceanic nations where tree loss has reduced lumber availability, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for constructing major boats.

“There, they often use marine plywood. Here, we can still work with whole trees,” he says. “This creates a crucial distinction.”

The canoes created under the program combine oceanic vessel shapes with regional navigation methods.

Educational Expansion

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been teaching navigation and traditional construction history at the local university.

“This marks the initial occasion this knowledge are offered at master’s level. It goes beyond textbooks – this is knowledge I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve sailed vast distances on these canoes. I’ve experienced profound emotion doing it.”

Pacific Partnerships

Tikoure sailed with the crew of the Uto ni Yalo, the heritage craft that sailed to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“Throughout the region, from Fiji to here, it’s the same movement,” he explains. “We’re taking back the sea together.”

Policy Advocacy

During the summer, Tikoure journeyed to Nice, France to introduce a “Indigenous perspective of the sea” when he met with Macron and additional officials.

Before state and overseas representatives, he advocated for shared maritime governance based on Kanak custom and local engagement.

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

Contemporary Evolution

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

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

Holistic Approach

For Tikoure, instructing mariners and promoting conservation measures are interrelated.

“It’s all about community participation: who is entitled to move across the sea, and what authority governs which activities take place on it? Traditional vessels function as a means to start that conversation.”