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During the autumn month of October on the island of Lifou, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was launched into the coastal lagoon – a seemingly minor event that represented a highly meaningful moment.

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

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the previous eight-year period, he has spearheaded a project that works to resurrect traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been crafted in an project aimed at reconnecting native Kanak communities with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure explains the boats also promote the “beginning of dialogue” around sea access rights and conservation measures.

Global Outreach

In July, he journeyed to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for maritime regulations shaped with and by Indigenous communities that recognise their maritime heritage.

“Previous generations always crossed the sea. We lost that for a time,” Tikoure explains. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Traditional vessels hold profound traditional meaning in New Caledonia. They once symbolised travel, exchange and tribal partnerships across islands, but those customs faded under colonisation and missionary influences.

Heritage Restoration

The initiative began in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was looking at how to restore heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure partnered with the government and after two years the boat building initiative – known as Kenu Waan project – was launched.

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

Initiative Accomplishments

The initiative sought to revive heritage voyaging practices, train young builders and use boat-building to strengthen community pride and island partnerships.

So far, the team has produced an exhibition, issued a volume and facilitated the building or renovation of nearly three dozen boats – from the southern region to Ponerihouen.

Material Advantages

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

“There, they often employ synthetic materials. Here, we can still craft from natural timber,” he says. “It makes all the difference.”

The vessels created under the Kenu Waan Project combine traditional boat forms with Melanesian rigging.

Teaching Development

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

“It’s the first time these topics are included at master’s level. It goes beyond textbooks – it’s something I’ve lived. I’ve sailed vast distances on traditional boats. I’ve cried tears of joy during these journeys.”

Pacific Partnerships

He traveled with the crew of the traditional boat, the Pacific vessel that sailed to Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2024.

“Across the Pacific, through various islands, this represents a unified effort,” he explains. “We’re taking back the sea together.”

Governance Efforts

This past July, Tikoure journeyed to Nice, France to introduce a “Kanak vision of the marine environment” when he had discussions with Macron and other leaders.

In front of government and foreign officials, he advocated for collaborative ocean management based on Kanak custom and local engagement.

“You have to involve local populations – especially those who live from fishing.”

Contemporary Evolution

Today, when mariners from various island nations – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and New Zealand – arrive in Lifou, they examine vessels together, adjust the structure and finally sail side by side.

“We’re not simply replicating the ancient designs, we make them evolve.”

Holistic Approach

In his view, teaching navigation and supporting ecological regulations are connected.

“The core concept concerns how we involve people: what permissions exist to travel ocean waters, and who decides what occurs in these waters? The canoe is a way to begin that dialogue.”