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In October on Lifou, a ancient-style canoe was set afloat in the lagoon – a seemingly minor event that represented a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the first launch of a traditional canoe on Lifou in living memory, an gathering that assembled the island’s three chiefly clans in a uncommon display of togetherness.

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

Many heritage vessels have been constructed in an initiative aimed at reconnecting local Kanak populations with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure states the boats also promote the “start of conversation” around sea access rights and conservation measures.

Global Outreach

In July, he journeyed to France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for ocean governance shaped with and by Indigenous communities that honor their relationship with the sea.

“Our ancestors always crossed the sea. We abandoned that practice for a while,” Tikoure explains. “Today we’re reclaiming it again.”

Canoes hold deep cultural importance in New Caledonia. They once symbolised movement, interaction and clan alliances across islands, but those customs declined under colonial rule and missionary influences.

Heritage Restoration

His journey commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was exploring how to bring back ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure collaborated with the authorities and two years later the boat building initiative – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was born.

“The biggest challenge was not harvesting timber, it was persuading communities,” he notes.

Project Achievements

The program worked to bring back traditional navigation techniques, mentor apprentice constructors and use vessel construction to strengthen traditional heritage and inter-island cooperation.

So far, the organization has produced an exhibition, issued a volume and supported the construction or restoration of approximately thirty vessels – from the southern region to the northern shoreline.

Natural Resources

In contrast to many other oceanic nations where forest clearing has diminished lumber availability, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for constructing major boats.

“Elsewhere, they often employ modern composites. Locally, we can still work with whole trees,” he explains. “This creates a crucial distinction.”

The vessels constructed under the initiative combine Polynesian hull design with Melanesian rigging.

Teaching Development

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been educating students in seafaring and ancestral craft methods at the University of New Caledonia.

“For the first time ever this knowledge are taught at graduate studies. This isn’t academic – these are experiences I’ve lived. I’ve navigated major waters on these canoes. I’ve experienced profound emotion while accomplishing this.”

Regional Collaboration

He traveled with the team of the Uto ni Yalo, the heritage craft that traveled to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“Throughout the region, through various islands, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he explains. “We’re reclaiming the sea collectively.”

Political Engagement

This past July, Tikoure visited the French city to share a “Indigenous perspective of the ocean” when he conferred with Macron and other leaders.

In front of government and overseas representatives, he advocated for shared maritime governance based on Indigenous traditions and local engagement.

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

Contemporary Evolution

Now, when navigators from throughout the region – from Fiji, Micronesia and Aotearoa – visit Lifou, they analyze boats together, modify the design and eventually voyage together.

“It’s not about duplicating the ancient designs, we help them develop.”

Integrated Mission

According to Tikoure, educating sailors and supporting ecological regulations are interrelated.

“It’s all about how we involve people: who has the right to travel ocean waters, and who decides what happens on it? The canoe function as a means to begin that dialogue.”