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During the autumn month of October on the island of Lifou, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was launched into the turquoise waters – a small act that signified a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the first launch of a heritage boat on Lifou in many decades, an gathering that brought together the island’s main family lineages in a uncommon display of togetherness.

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the previous eight-year period, he has spearheaded a initiative that seeks to restore ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Numerous traditional boats have been constructed in an initiative aimed at reconnecting local Kanak populations with their maritime heritage. Tikoure explains the boats also facilitate the “start of conversation” around sea access rights and ecological regulations.

International Advocacy

In July, he travelled to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for maritime regulations developed alongside and by local tribes that honor their maritime heritage.

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

Traditional vessels hold profound traditional significance in New Caledonia. They once stood for travel, interaction and tribal partnerships across islands, but those traditions declined under foreign occupation and missionary influences.

Heritage Restoration

The initiative commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was considering how to bring back traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure worked with the government and after two years the canoe construction project – known as Project Kenu Waan – was born.

“The biggest challenge wasn’t cutting down trees, it was persuading communities,” he explains.

Initiative Accomplishments

The Kenu Waan project aimed to restore heritage voyaging practices, train young builders and use boat-building to enhance traditional heritage and island partnerships.

To date, the organization has produced an exhibition, released a publication and supported the building or renovation of nearly three dozen boats – from the southern region to the northern shoreline.

Resource Benefits

Unlike many other island territories where forest clearing has reduced timber supplies, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for crafting substantial vessels.

“There, they often employ marine plywood. In our location, we can still work with whole trees,” he says. “That represents a significant advantage.”

The vessels built under the Kenu Waan Project merge traditional boat forms with regional navigation methods.

Educational Expansion

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been instructing maritime travel and heritage building techniques at the University of New Caledonia.

“This marks the initial occasion this knowledge are included at master’s level. It goes beyond textbooks – it’s something I’ve experienced. I’ve navigated major waters on traditional boats. I’ve cried tears of joy while accomplishing this.”

Pacific Partnerships

He voyaged with the members of the Fijian vessel, the Fijian canoe that sailed to Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2024.

“Throughout the region, through various islands, this represents a unified effort,” he says. “We’re taking back the ocean as a community.”

Political Engagement

In July, Tikoure travelled to Nice, France to present a “Traditional understanding of the marine environment” when he conferred with Macron and government representatives.

In front of government and foreign officials, he advocated for shared maritime governance based on local practices and community involvement.

“You have to involve local populations – particularly people dependent on marine resources.”

Current Development

Today, when sailors from various island nations – from Fiji, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – come to Lifou, they study canoes in cooperation, adjust the structure and ultimately sail side by side.

“We don’t just copy the old models, we make them evolve.”

Comprehensive Vision

For Tikoure, instructing mariners and promoting conservation measures are interrelated.

“The fundamental issue involves public engagement: what permissions exist to travel ocean waters, and what authority governs what happens in these waters? Traditional vessels function as a means to initiate that discussion.”