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

It was the inaugural voyage of a heritage boat on Lifou in living memory, an event that united the island’s main family lineages in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the last eight years, he has overseen a program that aims to revive ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been crafted in an effort intended to reunite native Kanak communities with their seafaring legacy. Tikoure explains the boats also help the “opening of discussions” around sea access rights and environmental policies.

Diplomatic Efforts

This past July, he travelled to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for ocean governance shaped with and by native populations that honor their connection to the ocean.

“Our ancestors always crossed the sea. We lost that for a time,” Tikoure states. “Now we’re finding it again.”

Traditional vessels hold significant historical significance in New Caledonia. They once represented mobility, trade and clan alliances across islands, but those practices declined under colonial rule and missionary influences.

Tradition Revival

His journey commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was looking at how to bring back traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure worked with the government and following a two-year period the canoe construction project – known as Kenu Waan project – was launched.

“The biggest challenge was not harvesting timber, it was gaining local support,” he says.

Program Successes

The initiative worked to bring back ancestral sailing methods, train young builders and use canoe-making to reinforce cultural identity and island partnerships.

To date, the organization has created a display, released a publication and supported the construction or restoration of approximately thirty vessels – from Goro to Ponerihouen.

Material Advantages

In contrast to many other Pacific islands where tree loss has limited timber supplies, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for crafting substantial vessels.

“There, they often use synthetic materials. Locally, we can still craft from natural timber,” he says. “This creates a significant advantage.”

The vessels constructed under the program integrate oceanic vessel shapes with regional navigation methods.

Teaching Development

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been instructing navigation and ancestral craft methods at the local university.

“This marks the initial occasion these subjects are taught at master’s level. It goes beyond textbooks – this is knowledge I’ve lived. I’ve sailed vast distances on traditional boats. I’ve cried tears of joy during these journeys.”

Regional Collaboration

He voyaged with the members of the traditional boat, the Fijian canoe that traveled to Tonga for the oceanic conference in 2024.

“Throughout the region, including our location, it’s the same movement,” he explains. “We’re reclaiming the maritime heritage together.”

Political Engagement

During the summer, Tikoure visited the European location to introduce a “Kanak vision of the ocean” when he conferred with Macron and other leaders.

Addressing official and international delegates, he advocated for collaborative ocean management based on Kanak custom and community involvement.

“It’s essential to include these communities – particularly those who live from fishing.”

Contemporary Evolution

Currently, when navigators from throughout the region – from the Fijian islands, the Micronesian region and New Zealand – visit Lifou, they examine vessels collectively, modify the design and finally navigate in unison.

“We’re not simply replicating the old models, we enable their progression.”

Holistic Approach

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

“The fundamental issue involves how we involve people: what permissions exist to move across the sea, and what authority governs what happens in these waters? Traditional vessels is a way to start that conversation.”