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In October on Lifou island, a ancient-style canoe was launched into the lagoon – a simple gesture that represented a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the maiden journey of a ancestral vessel on Lifou in generations, an gathering that assembled the island’s primary tribal groups in a uncommon display of togetherness.

Seafarer and campaigner Aile Tikoure was the driving force behind the launch. For the last eight years, he has led a project that aims to revive heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been constructed in an project intended to reunite native Kanak communities with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure states the boats also promote the “beginning of dialogue” around ocean rights and ecological regulations.

Global Outreach

In July, he journeyed to France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for marine policies created in consultation with and by Indigenous communities that honor their relationship with the sea.

“Our ancestors always traveled by water. We forgot that knowledge for a period,” Tikoure says. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Heritage boats hold deep cultural importance in New Caledonia. They once stood for mobility, exchange and tribal partnerships across islands, but those practices declined under colonisation and missionary influences.

Cultural Reclamation

The initiative began in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was considering how to reintroduce heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure worked with the government and two years later the boat building initiative – known as Kenu Waan project – was established.

“The hardest part didn’t involve wood collection, it was persuading communities,” he notes.

Program Successes

The program worked to bring back heritage voyaging practices, educate new craftspeople and use vessel construction to reinforce traditional heritage and inter-island cooperation.

Up to now, the team has produced an exhibition, issued a volume and facilitated the construction or restoration of nearly three dozen boats – from the southern region to Ponerihouen.

Resource Benefits

In contrast to many other island territories where forest clearing has diminished timber supplies, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for constructing major boats.

“Elsewhere, they often use marine plywood. In our location, we can still work with whole trees,” he says. “This creates all the difference.”

The boats created under the Kenu Waan Project combine Polynesian hull design with Melanesian rigging.

Educational Expansion

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

“For the first time ever these topics are included at advanced education. It’s not theory – these are experiences I’ve experienced. I’ve sailed vast distances on these vessels. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness doing it.”

Pacific Partnerships

Tikoure sailed with the crew of the Uto ni Yalo, the Fijian canoe that journeyed 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 together.”

Governance Efforts

In July, Tikoure visited Nice, France to present a “Kanak vision of the sea” when he met with Macron and additional officials.

In front of government and international delegates, he argued for collaborative ocean management based on Kanak custom and local engagement.

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

Modern Adaptation

Today, when sailors from throughout the region – from Fiji, Micronesia and New Zealand – arrive in Lifou, they analyze boats together, adjust the structure and eventually navigate in unison.

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

Comprehensive Vision

For Tikoure, teaching navigation and advocating environmental policy are linked.

“It’s all about how we involve people: what permissions exist to move across the sea, and who decides what happens there? Heritage boats serve as a method to initiate that discussion.”