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This past October on Lifou, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was set afloat in the coastal lagoon – a seemingly minor event that represented a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the inaugural voyage of a ancestral vessel on Lifou in living memory, an gathering that united the island’s primary tribal groups in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

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

Numerous traditional boats have been constructed in an initiative designed to reconnect native Kanak communities with their seafaring legacy. Tikoure states the boats also facilitate the “start of conversation” around sea access rights and environmental policies.

Diplomatic Efforts

During the summer month of July, he journeyed to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, calling for ocean governance created in consultation with and by native populations that acknowledge their maritime heritage.

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

Heritage boats hold deep cultural significance in New Caledonia. They once represented mobility, exchange and tribal partnerships across islands, but those practices diminished under colonial rule and missionary influences.

Cultural Reclamation

This mission began in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was exploring how to bring back traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure partnered with the authorities and after two years the vessel restoration program – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was launched.

“The hardest part didn’t involve harvesting timber, it was gaining local support,” he explains.

Project Achievements

The program aimed to restore ancestral sailing methods, educate new craftspeople and use boat-building to enhance community pride and regional collaboration.

So far, the organization has created a display, released a publication and supported the building or renovation of approximately thirty vessels – from the southern region to the northeastern coast.

Material Advantages

Different from many other oceanic nations where tree loss has diminished lumber availability, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for constructing major boats.

“Elsewhere, they often employ modern composites. Here, we can still craft from natural timber,” he explains. “That represents a significant advantage.”

The boats created under the Kenu Waan Project combine Polynesian hull design with regional navigation methods.

Educational Expansion

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been educating students in maritime travel and heritage building techniques at the University of New Caledonia.

“For the first time ever this knowledge are taught at master’s level. This isn’t academic – these are experiences I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve sailed vast distances on these vessels. I’ve experienced profound emotion while accomplishing this.”

Island Cooperation

He traveled with the crew of the Fijian vessel, the heritage craft that traveled to Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2024.

“Across the Pacific, through various islands, this represents a unified effort,” he explains. “We’re restoring the ocean collectively.”

Political Engagement

In July, Tikoure visited the European location to introduce a “Traditional understanding of the marine environment” when he met with Macron and additional officials.

Before state and overseas representatives, he pushed for shared maritime governance based on Indigenous traditions and participation.

“You have to involve them – particularly those who live from fishing.”

Modern Adaptation

Today, when sailors from various island nations – from Fiji, the Micronesian region and New Zealand – come to Lifou, they study canoes collectively, modify the design and finally sail side by side.

“We’re not simply replicating the traditional forms, we make them evolve.”

Holistic Approach

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

“The core concept concerns how we involve people: who is entitled to move across the sea, and who determines which activities take place there? The canoe function as a means to initiate that discussion.”