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In October on the island of Lifou, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was set afloat in the coastal lagoon – a small act that signified a highly meaningful moment.

It was the maiden journey of a traditional canoe on Lifou in generations, an gathering that brought together the island’s primary tribal groups in a uncommon display of togetherness.

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the previous eight-year period, he has overseen a program that seeks to restore heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been built in an effort intended to reunite local Kanak populations with their seafaring legacy. Tikoure explains the boats also promote the “start of conversation” around ocean rights and conservation measures.

International Advocacy

In July, he travelled to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for marine policies shaped with and by Indigenous communities that acknowledge their connection to the ocean.

“Our ancestors always navigated the ocean. We forgot that knowledge for a time,” Tikoure states. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Canoes hold significant historical importance in New Caledonia. They once stood for movement, interaction and tribal partnerships across islands, but those customs declined under colonisation and religious conversion efforts.

Cultural Reclamation

The initiative started in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was looking at how to bring back heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure worked with the government and following a two-year period the boat building initiative – known as Kenu Waan project – was launched.

“The hardest part didn’t involve cutting down trees, it was convincing people,” he explains.

Initiative Accomplishments

The Kenu Waan project aimed to restore heritage voyaging practices, mentor apprentice constructors and use boat-building to enhance cultural identity and island partnerships.

To date, the team has organized a showcase, published a book and enabled the construction or restoration of nearly three dozen boats – from the far south to the northeastern coast.

Natural Resources

Unlike many other Pacific islands where tree loss has diminished wood resources, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for constructing major boats.

“Elsewhere, they often employ synthetic materials. In our location, we can still craft from natural timber,” he says. “It makes a significant advantage.”

The vessels created under the Kenu Waan Project integrate oceanic vessel shapes with local sailing systems.

Educational Expansion

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

“For the first time ever these subjects are taught at advanced education. It’s not theory – it’s something I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve navigated major waters on these canoes. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness during these journeys.”

Pacific Partnerships

He voyaged with the crew of the Uto ni Yalo, the Fijian canoe that sailed to Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2024.

“Across the Pacific, from Fiji to here, it’s the same movement,” he says. “We’re reclaiming the sea together.”

Policy Advocacy

This past July, Tikoure visited the French city to present a “Traditional understanding of the ocean” when he had discussions with Macron and additional officials.

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

“You have to involve local populations – most importantly fishing communities.”

Current Development

Today, when navigators from throughout the region – from Fiji, Micronesia and New Zealand – visit Lifou, they study canoes collectively, adjust the structure and finally navigate in unison.

“It’s not about duplicating the ancient designs, we make them evolve.”

Integrated Mission

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

“It’s all about public engagement: who is entitled to move across the sea, and what authority governs what occurs on it? The canoe serve as a method to begin that dialogue.”