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This past October on the island of Lifou, a double-hulled canoe was pushed into the lagoon – a small act that signified a profoundly important moment.

It was the first launch of a ancestral vessel on Lifou in many decades, an occasion that united the island’s main family lineages in a uncommon display of togetherness.

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

Dozens of canoes have been constructed in an effort intended to reunite Indigenous Kanak people with their maritime heritage. Tikoure says the boats also facilitate the “opening of discussions” around sea access rights and conservation measures.

International Advocacy

This past July, he visited France and met President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for maritime regulations developed alongside and by local tribes that recognise their connection to the ocean.

“Previous generations always navigated the ocean. We lost that for a period,” Tikoure says. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Heritage boats hold profound traditional significance in New Caledonia. They once represented travel, exchange and clan alliances across islands, but those customs declined under colonisation and missionary influences.

Heritage Restoration

The initiative began in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was exploring how to bring back heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure worked with the government and after two years the vessel restoration program – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was established.

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

Program Successes

The Kenu Waan project worked to bring back heritage voyaging practices, educate new craftspeople and use canoe-making to reinforce cultural identity and inter-island cooperation.

To date, the group has created a display, issued a volume and facilitated the construction or restoration of approximately thirty vessels – from Goro to Ponerihouen.

Material Advantages

Unlike many other Pacific islands where tree loss has diminished wood resources, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for carving large hulls.

“Elsewhere, they often use modern composites. In our location, we can still craft from natural timber,” he says. “That represents a crucial distinction.”

The canoes constructed under the initiative integrate oceanic vessel shapes with local sailing systems.

Academic Integration

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been instructing maritime travel and heritage building techniques at the University of New Caledonia.

“This marks the initial occasion these subjects are offered at master’s level. It goes beyond textbooks – this is knowledge I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve crossed oceans on these canoes. I’ve cried tears of joy while accomplishing this.”

Regional Collaboration

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

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, from Fiji to here, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he states. “We’re reclaiming the sea together.”

Political Engagement

This past July, Tikoure visited Nice, France to present a “Indigenous perspective of the marine environment” when he had discussions with Macron and government representatives.

Before state and overseas representatives, he advocated for cooperative sea policies based on local practices and local engagement.

“We must engage them – especially those who live from fishing.”

Contemporary Evolution

Today, when mariners from across the Pacific – from Fiji, Micronesia and New Zealand – come to Lifou, they examine vessels in cooperation, modify the design and ultimately voyage together.

“We don’t just copy the ancient designs, we enable their progression.”

Holistic Approach

According to Tikoure, teaching navigation and promoting conservation measures are connected.

“It’s all about how we involve people: what permissions exist to move across the sea, and what authority governs what occurs on it? Traditional vessels is a way to initiate that discussion.”