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During the autumn month of October on Lifou, a double-hulled canoe was pushed into the lagoon – a seemingly minor event that represented a profoundly important moment.

It was the maiden journey of a traditional canoe on Lifou in living memory, an event that brought together the island’s main family lineages in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the last eight years, he has spearheaded a program that seeks to restore traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been constructed in an effort aimed at reconnecting local Kanak populations with their seafaring legacy. Tikoure explains the boats also facilitate the “opening of discussions” around maritime entitlements and environmental policies.

Global Outreach

In July, he visited France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for marine policies created in consultation with and by native populations that acknowledge their connection to the ocean.

“Previous generations always crossed the sea. We abandoned that practice for a time,” Tikoure states. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Heritage boats hold profound traditional importance in New Caledonia. They once symbolised mobility, trade and clan alliances across islands, but those practices diminished under foreign occupation and missionary influences.

Tradition Revival

The initiative commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was exploring how to bring back traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure partnered with the authorities and after two years the canoe construction project – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was established.

“The biggest challenge wasn’t wood collection, it was persuading communities,” he notes.

Program Successes

The initiative aimed to restore heritage voyaging practices, train young builders and use boat-building to reinforce traditional heritage and regional collaboration.

Up to now, the team has organized a showcase, published a book and supported the creation or repair of nearly three dozen boats – from Goro to the northern shoreline.

Resource Benefits

In contrast to many other Pacific islands where tree loss has diminished lumber availability, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for crafting substantial vessels.

“In other places, they often use modern composites. Here, we can still work with whole trees,” he says. “That represents a significant advantage.”

The canoes constructed under the Kenu Waan Project merge oceanic vessel shapes with regional navigation methods.

Educational Expansion

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been teaching navigation and traditional construction history at the educational institution.

“It’s the first time these topics are taught at master’s level. It’s not theory – it’s something I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve crossed oceans on these canoes. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness while accomplishing this.”

Regional Collaboration

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

“Across the Pacific, through various islands, it’s the same movement,” he says. “We’re taking back the maritime heritage as a community.”

Political Engagement

During the summer, Tikoure travelled to the European location to share a “Traditional understanding of the sea” when he conferred with Macron and additional officials.

Before state and foreign officials, he argued for collaborative ocean management based on local practices and participation.

“You have to involve them – especially people dependent on marine resources.”

Modern Adaptation

Now, when navigators from across the Pacific – from the Fijian islands, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – visit Lifou, they analyze boats collectively, refine the construction and finally sail side by side.

“It’s not about duplicating the old models, we help them develop.”

Integrated Mission

According to Tikoure, instructing mariners and supporting ecological regulations are linked.

“It’s all about how we involve people: what permissions exist to travel ocean waters, and what authority governs what happens on it? Traditional vessels is a way to start that conversation.”