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During the autumn month of October on Lifou, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was pushed into the coastal lagoon – a simple gesture that marked a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the first launch of a traditional canoe on Lifou in generations, an event that brought together the island’s primary tribal groups in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

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

Dozens of canoes have been built in an effort designed to reconnect local Kanak populations with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure says the boats also facilitate the “beginning of dialogue” around sea access rights and conservation measures.

Diplomatic Efforts

In July, he travelled to France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for maritime regulations developed alongside and by local tribes that honor their relationship with the sea.

“Forefathers always crossed the sea. We forgot that knowledge for a time,” Tikoure says. “Now we’re finding it again.”

Heritage boats hold significant historical significance in New Caledonia. They once stood for movement, interaction and tribal partnerships across islands, but those traditions diminished under foreign occupation and outside cultural pressures.

Tradition Revival

His journey started in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was considering how to restore traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure partnered with the administration and after two years the canoe construction project – known as Project Kenu Waan – was born.

“The most difficult aspect didn’t involve wood collection, it was gaining local support,” he says.

Project Achievements

The program aimed to restore traditional navigation techniques, educate new craftspeople and use boat-building to reinforce cultural identity and inter-island cooperation.

So far, the organization has created a display, released a publication and enabled the construction or restoration of around 30 canoes – from the southern region to Ponerihouen.

Natural Resources

Different from many other Pacific islands where deforestation has limited timber supplies, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for crafting substantial vessels.

“There, they often use modern composites. In our location, we can still craft from natural timber,” he explains. “That represents all the difference.”

The canoes constructed under the Kenu Waan Project integrate Polynesian hull design with local sailing systems.

Teaching Development

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been educating students in seafaring and traditional construction history at the University of New Caledonia.

“For the first time ever these subjects are taught at advanced education. It goes beyond textbooks – it’s something I’ve lived. I’ve crossed oceans on these vessels. I’ve cried tears of joy while accomplishing this.”

Island Cooperation

He traveled with the crew of the traditional boat, the heritage craft that sailed to Tonga for the oceanic conference in 2024.

“Throughout the region, including our location, this represents a unified effort,” he states. “We’re restoring the ocean together.”

Policy Advocacy

In July, Tikoure visited the French city to introduce a “Kanak vision of the sea” when he conferred with Macron and additional officials.

In front of government and foreign officials, he pushed for cooperative sea policies based on Kanak custom and community involvement.

“We must engage them – especially those who live from fishing.”

Current Development

Today, when mariners from various island nations – from Fiji, Micronesia and New Zealand – come to Lifou, they analyze boats collectively, refine the construction and eventually sail side by side.

“We’re not simply replicating the ancient designs, we help them develop.”

Holistic Approach

In his view, teaching navigation and advocating environmental policy are linked.

“The core concept concerns community participation: who has the right to navigate marine territories, and who determines what occurs in these waters? Traditional vessels serve as a method to initiate that discussion.”