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This past October on Lifou, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was pushed into the coastal lagoon – a simple gesture that marked a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the maiden journey of a heritage boat on Lifou in many decades, an event that united the island’s three chiefly clans in a uncommon display of togetherness.

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the past eight years, he has led a initiative that works to resurrect ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Numerous traditional boats have been built in an initiative designed to reconnect native Kanak communities with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure explains the boats also promote the “opening of discussions” around sea access rights and conservation measures.

International Advocacy

In July, he journeyed to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for maritime regulations developed alongside and by Indigenous communities that recognise their relationship with the sea.

“Our ancestors always traveled by water. We lost that for a period,” Tikoure explains. “Today we’re reclaiming it again.”

Heritage boats hold deep cultural significance in New Caledonia. They once stood for movement, interaction and tribal partnerships across islands, but those traditions faded under foreign occupation and missionary influences.

Heritage Restoration

The initiative began in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was exploring how to reintroduce ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure worked with the administration and following a two-year period the boat building initiative – known as Project Kenu Waan – was launched.

“The most difficult aspect was not harvesting timber, it was convincing people,” he notes.

Project Achievements

The Kenu Waan project worked to bring back traditional navigation techniques, mentor apprentice constructors and use boat-building to strengthen traditional heritage and regional collaboration.

Up to now, the group has produced an exhibition, released a publication and facilitated the creation or repair of approximately thirty vessels – from the far south to the northern shoreline.

Material Advantages

In contrast to many other Pacific islands where tree loss has limited lumber availability, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for carving large hulls.

“There, they often use marine plywood. Locally, we can still work with whole trees,” he states. “That represents a significant advantage.”

The boats created under the program integrate traditional boat forms 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.

“This marks the initial occasion these subjects are taught at master’s level. It’s not theory – these are experiences I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve sailed vast distances on these vessels. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness during these journeys.”

Island Cooperation

He voyaged with the members of the Uto ni Yalo, the Pacific vessel that journeyed to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“Across the Pacific, including our location, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he says. “We’re reclaiming the maritime heritage collectively.”

Political Engagement

During the summer, Tikoure journeyed to Nice, France to present a “Traditional understanding of the sea” when he conferred with Macron and government representatives.

In front of government and international delegates, he argued for collaborative ocean management based on Indigenous traditions and participation.

“You have to involve these communities – particularly fishing communities.”

Contemporary Evolution

Currently, when navigators from throughout the region – from the Fijian islands, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – arrive in Lifou, they study canoes in cooperation, refine the construction and finally navigate in unison.

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

Integrated Mission

For Tikoure, educating sailors and promoting conservation measures are interrelated.

“It’s all about public engagement: what permissions exist to move across the sea, and who decides what occurs there? Traditional vessels serve as a method to begin that dialogue.”