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During the autumn month of October on the island of Lifou, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was pushed into the coastal lagoon – a simple gesture that represented a profoundly important moment.

It was the maiden journey of a traditional canoe on Lifou in living memory, an gathering that brought together the island’s three chiefly clans in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the last eight years, he has overseen a initiative that seeks to restore ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been constructed in an project aimed at reconnecting local Kanak populations with their seafaring legacy. Tikoure explains the boats also help the “beginning of dialogue” around maritime entitlements and conservation measures.

International Advocacy

In July, he journeyed to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for maritime regulations created in consultation with and by native populations that recognise their relationship with the sea.

“Forefathers always crossed the sea. We lost that for a while,” Tikoure says. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Traditional vessels hold deep cultural meaning in New Caledonia. They once symbolised mobility, interaction and tribal partnerships across islands, but those practices declined under colonisation and outside cultural pressures.

Cultural Reclamation

The initiative commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was considering how to reintroduce heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure collaborated with the administration and after two years the boat building initiative – known as Project Kenu Waan – was launched.

“The hardest part wasn’t wood collection, it was convincing people,” he says.

Program Successes

The initiative aimed to restore ancestral sailing methods, train young builders and use canoe-making to reinforce community pride and regional collaboration.

So far, the team has organized a showcase, released a publication and facilitated the building or renovation of nearly three dozen boats – from the southern region to Ponerihouen.

Natural Resources

Different from many other Pacific islands where deforestation has reduced lumber availability, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for carving large hulls.

“There, they often work with marine plywood. Here, we can still work with whole trees,” he says. “This creates a significant advantage.”

The canoes built under the Kenu Waan Project integrate Polynesian hull design with local sailing systems.

Academic Integration

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been educating students in seafaring and heritage building techniques at the local university.

“It’s the first time these topics are offered at graduate studies. It goes beyond textbooks – it’s something I’ve lived. I’ve navigated major waters on these canoes. I’ve cried tears of joy during these journeys.”

Pacific Partnerships

Tikoure sailed with the members of the Uto ni Yalo, the Fijian canoe that sailed to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, including our location, this represents a unified effort,” he explains. “We’re restoring the maritime heritage collectively.”

Governance Efforts

In July, Tikoure travelled to the European location to present a “Indigenous perspective of the sea” when he met with Macron and government representatives.

Addressing official and overseas representatives, he argued for collaborative ocean management based on Indigenous traditions and local engagement.

“We must engage local populations – particularly those who live from fishing.”

Current Development

Now, when sailors from across the Pacific – from Fiji, the Micronesian region and New Zealand – arrive in Lifou, they examine vessels in cooperation, adjust the structure and ultimately navigate in unison.

“It’s not about duplicating the ancient designs, we help them develop.”

Comprehensive Vision

According to Tikoure, teaching navigation and supporting ecological regulations are linked.

“The core concept concerns how we involve people: what permissions exist to navigate marine territories, and who determines what occurs there? Heritage boats serve as a method to initiate that discussion.”