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

It was the first launch of a traditional canoe on Lifou in living memory, an event that united the island’s main family lineages in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was the driving force behind the launch. For the last eight years, he has overseen a initiative that aims to revive traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been crafted in an initiative intended to reunite local Kanak populations with their seafaring legacy. Tikoure states the boats also help the “start of conversation” around ocean rights and conservation measures.

International Advocacy

This past July, he journeyed to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for ocean governance shaped with and by Indigenous communities that recognise their connection to the ocean.

“Previous generations always crossed the sea. We abandoned that practice for a period,” Tikoure states. “Now we’re finding it again.”

Heritage boats hold profound traditional importance in New Caledonia. They once symbolised travel, interaction and tribal partnerships across islands, but those practices faded under colonisation and missionary influences.

Cultural Reclamation

The initiative started in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was exploring how to restore heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure worked with the government and following a two-year period the vessel restoration program – known as Project Kenu Waan – was established.

“The hardest part didn’t involve cutting down trees, it was gaining local support,” he says.

Initiative Accomplishments

The Kenu Waan project sought to revive heritage voyaging practices, educate new craftspeople and use canoe-making to reinforce traditional heritage and regional collaboration.

So far, the organization has organized a showcase, released a publication and supported the creation or repair of approximately thirty vessels – from Goro to Ponerihouen.

Natural Resources

Unlike many other Pacific islands where forest clearing has reduced wood resources, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for carving large hulls.

“Elsewhere, they often work with modern composites. Locally, we can still carve solid logs,” he explains. “That represents all the difference.”

The vessels constructed under the Kenu Waan Project combine traditional boat forms with regional navigation methods.

Academic Integration

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been instructing navigation and ancestral craft methods at the educational institution.

“For the first time ever these topics are included at graduate studies. This isn’t academic – it’s something I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve crossed oceans on these vessels. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness while accomplishing this.”

Island Cooperation

He traveled with the crew of the traditional boat, the Pacific vessel that sailed to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“Across the Pacific, through various islands, it’s the same movement,” he says. “We’re reclaiming the maritime heritage as a community.”

Policy Advocacy

During the summer, Tikoure journeyed to the French city to introduce a “Indigenous perspective of the marine environment” when he had discussions with Macron and additional officials.

Before state and overseas representatives, he argued for shared maritime governance based on local practices and participation.

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

Current Development

Now, when sailors from throughout the region – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and Aotearoa – come to Lifou, they analyze boats in cooperation, adjust the structure and eventually voyage together.

“It’s not about duplicating the old models, we enable their progression.”

Comprehensive Vision

In his view, instructing mariners and promoting conservation measures are interrelated.

“It’s all about community participation: who is entitled to navigate marine territories, and who determines what occurs on it? Traditional vessels serve as a method to begin that dialogue.”