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In October on Lifou island, a ancient-style canoe was launched into the coastal lagoon – a seemingly minor event that represented a highly meaningful moment.

It was the maiden journey of a ancestral vessel on Lifou in many decades, an gathering that assembled the island’s primary tribal groups in a uncommon display of togetherness.

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the last eight years, he has spearheaded a initiative that works to resurrect ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Numerous traditional boats have been crafted in an initiative aimed at reconnecting native Kanak communities with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure states the boats also facilitate the “start of conversation” around sea access rights and conservation measures.

Global Outreach

During the summer month of July, he journeyed to France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for marine policies created in consultation with and by local tribes that acknowledge their relationship with the sea.

“Forefathers always navigated the ocean. We abandoned that practice for a time,” Tikoure explains. “Now we’re finding it again.”

Traditional vessels hold deep cultural importance in New Caledonia. They once represented movement, trade and clan alliances across islands, but those customs declined under colonial rule and outside cultural pressures.

Heritage Restoration

This mission started in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was considering how to restore traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure collaborated with the authorities and after two years the vessel restoration program – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was launched.

“The biggest challenge wasn’t wood collection, it was gaining local support,” he notes.

Project Achievements

The initiative worked to bring back ancestral sailing methods, train young builders and use vessel construction to reinforce cultural identity and regional collaboration.

So far, the group has created a display, released a publication and enabled the creation or repair of around 30 canoes – from the far south to Ponerihouen.

Resource Benefits

In contrast to many other Pacific islands where deforestation has diminished wood resources, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for constructing major boats.

“In other places, they often work with marine plywood. Here, we can still work with whole trees,” he says. “That represents all the difference.”

The vessels created under the program combine Polynesian hull design with Melanesian rigging.

Academic Integration

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been educating students in maritime travel and heritage building techniques at the local university.

“For the first time ever this knowledge are taught at advanced education. It goes beyond textbooks – these are experiences I’ve lived. I’ve navigated major waters on these vessels. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness during these journeys.”

Regional Collaboration

He traveled with the members of the Fijian vessel, the heritage craft that traveled to Tonga for the oceanic conference in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, through various islands, it’s the same movement,” he states. “We’re reclaiming the ocean as a community.”

Political Engagement

In July, Tikoure journeyed to Nice, France to share a “Kanak vision of the sea” when he met with Macron and additional officials.

Before state and overseas representatives, he argued for collaborative ocean management based on local practices and participation.

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

Contemporary Evolution

Today, when mariners from throughout the region – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and New Zealand – visit Lifou, they analyze boats together, modify the design and finally navigate in unison.

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

Integrated Mission

In his view, educating sailors and advocating environmental policy are connected.

“It’s all about community participation: who has the right to move across the sea, and who determines what happens there? Traditional vessels is a way to initiate that discussion.”