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In October on Lifou, a double-hulled canoe was pushed into the lagoon – a small act that represented a highly meaningful moment.

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

Seafarer and campaigner Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the previous eight-year period, he has spearheaded a initiative that seeks to restore traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been built in an initiative intended to reunite native Kanak communities with their maritime heritage. Tikoure explains the boats also help the “beginning of dialogue” around sea access rights and conservation measures.

Global Outreach

This past July, he journeyed to France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for maritime regulations developed alongside and by native populations that acknowledge their relationship with the sea.

“Forefathers always navigated the ocean. We lost that for a period,” Tikoure says. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Heritage boats hold profound traditional meaning in New Caledonia. They once symbolised travel, exchange and family cooperations across islands, but those customs faded under colonisation and outside cultural pressures.

Heritage Restoration

This mission began in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was looking at how to reintroduce traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure partnered with the government and two years later the boat building initiative – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was established.

“The most difficult aspect wasn’t cutting down trees, it was convincing people,” he notes.

Program Successes

The Kenu Waan project aimed to restore ancestral sailing methods, train young builders and use boat-building to reinforce community pride and island partnerships.

Up to now, the team has created a display, published a book and enabled the building or renovation of approximately thirty vessels – from the far south to the northeastern coast.

Resource Benefits

In contrast to many other oceanic nations where deforestation has reduced wood resources, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for crafting substantial vessels.

“In other places, they often use modern composites. In our location, we can still carve solid logs,” he explains. “This creates all the difference.”

The boats constructed under the program merge traditional boat forms with Melanesian rigging.

Educational Expansion

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been educating students in navigation and heritage building techniques at the educational institution.

“It’s the first time these topics are offered at graduate studies. This isn’t academic – it’s something I’ve lived. I’ve sailed vast distances on these vessels. I’ve cried tears of joy while accomplishing this.”

Island Cooperation

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

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, through various islands, it’s the same movement,” he states. “We’re reclaiming the sea together.”

Policy Advocacy

During the summer, Tikoure visited the European location to share a “Kanak vision of the sea” when he had discussions with Macron and government representatives.

Before state and foreign officials, he pushed for cooperative sea policies based on Kanak custom and community involvement.

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

Contemporary Evolution

Today, when sailors from various island nations – from the Fijian islands, the Micronesian region and New Zealand – visit Lifou, they study canoes collectively, refine the construction and ultimately sail side by side.

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

Comprehensive Vision

For Tikoure, instructing mariners and advocating environmental policy are interrelated.

“It’s all about public engagement: what permissions exist to navigate marine territories, and who decides what happens in these waters? Heritage boats serve as a method to begin that dialogue.”