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In October on the island of Lifou, a ancient-style canoe was pushed into the lagoon – a simple gesture that marked a highly meaningful moment.

It was the maiden journey of a heritage boat on Lifou in living memory, an event that brought together 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 previous eight-year period, he has spearheaded a program that seeks to restore ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Numerous traditional boats have been crafted in an effort designed to reconnect native Kanak communities with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure says the boats also promote the “beginning of dialogue” around ocean rights and ecological regulations.

Global Outreach

This past July, he travelled to France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for ocean governance developed alongside and by native populations that recognise their connection to the ocean.

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

Traditional vessels hold significant historical importance in New Caledonia. They once represented travel, trade and tribal partnerships across islands, but those practices faded under colonisation and religious conversion efforts.

Cultural Reclamation

His journey began in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was looking at how to bring back traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure worked with the government and after two years the canoe construction project – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was born.

“The biggest challenge didn’t involve wood collection, it was persuading communities,” he says.

Project Achievements

The program sought to revive traditional navigation techniques, educate new craftspeople and use boat-building to enhance community pride and regional collaboration.

So far, the team has produced an exhibition, published a book and supported the building or renovation of nearly three dozen boats – from the far south to Ponerihouen.

Resource Benefits

In contrast to many other Pacific islands where forest clearing has reduced lumber availability, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for crafting substantial vessels.

“In other places, they often work with synthetic materials. In our location, we can still craft from natural timber,” he says. “It makes all the difference.”

The canoes constructed under the initiative combine Polynesian hull design with local sailing systems.

Academic Integration

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been educating students in maritime travel and ancestral craft methods at the University of New Caledonia.

“For the first time ever this knowledge are taught at advanced education. It’s not theory – it’s something I’ve experienced. I’ve navigated major waters on traditional boats. I’ve cried tears of joy during these journeys.”

Regional Collaboration

He traveled with the crew of the Uto ni Yalo, the heritage craft that sailed to Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2024.

“Throughout the region, from Fiji to here, it’s the same movement,” he explains. “We’re reclaiming the sea together.”

Policy Advocacy

In July, Tikoure travelled to the European location to present a “Traditional understanding of the ocean” when he had discussions with Macron and additional officials.

Before state and foreign officials, he pushed for collaborative ocean management based on Indigenous traditions and participation.

“It’s essential to include local populations – most importantly those who live from fishing.”

Modern Adaptation

Currently, when mariners from across the Pacific – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and Aotearoa – arrive in Lifou, they study canoes together, refine the construction and finally sail side by side.

“We don’t just copy the old models, we help them develop.”

Integrated Mission

According to Tikoure, educating sailors and promoting conservation measures are connected.

“The fundamental issue involves public engagement: who is entitled to navigate marine territories, and who decides which activities take place on it? Traditional vessels function as a means to begin that dialogue.”