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In October on the island of Lifou, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was set afloat in the turquoise waters – a seemingly minor event that marked a profoundly important moment.

It was the first launch of a heritage boat on Lifou in generations, an occasion that assembled the island’s main family lineages in a uncommon display of togetherness.

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was the driving force behind the launch. For the previous eight-year period, he has overseen a program that aims to revive ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been crafted in an project designed to reconnect native Kanak communities with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure says the boats also facilitate the “start of conversation” around sea access rights and ecological regulations.

Global Outreach

During the summer month of July, he visited France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for marine policies shaped with and by native populations that honor their connection to the ocean.

“Previous generations always crossed the sea. We forgot that knowledge for a period,” Tikoure explains. “Now we’re finding it again.”

Traditional vessels hold significant historical significance in New Caledonia. They once symbolised mobility, trade and tribal partnerships across islands, but those customs declined under foreign occupation and missionary influences.

Cultural Reclamation

This mission started in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was looking at how to bring back heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure collaborated with the authorities and following a two-year period the canoe construction project – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was launched.

“The biggest challenge was not harvesting timber, it was persuading communities,” he explains.

Project Achievements

The initiative worked to bring back heritage voyaging practices, mentor apprentice constructors and use boat-building to enhance cultural identity and inter-island cooperation.

Up to now, the team has produced an exhibition, published a book and supported the construction or restoration of around 30 canoes – from the southern region to the northern shoreline.

Natural Resources

Unlike many other oceanic nations where tree loss has diminished wood resources, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for carving large hulls.

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

The vessels constructed under the Kenu Waan Project combine Polynesian hull design with local sailing systems.

Teaching Development

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been instructing seafaring and heritage building techniques at the University of New Caledonia.

“It’s the first time this knowledge are offered at advanced education. It’s not theory – this is knowledge I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve navigated major waters on these canoes. I’ve experienced profound emotion doing it.”

Island Cooperation

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

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, from Fiji to here, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he explains. “We’re taking back the ocean as a community.”

Political Engagement

During the summer, Tikoure travelled to the European location to present a “Indigenous perspective of the marine environment” when he had discussions with Macron and additional officials.

In front of government and overseas representatives, he advocated for shared maritime governance based on local practices and participation.

“We must engage these communities – especially those who live from fishing.”

Contemporary Evolution

Currently, when navigators from various island nations – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and Aotearoa – come to Lifou, they analyze boats collectively, refine the construction and eventually sail side by side.

“We don’t just copy the traditional forms, we enable their progression.”

Integrated Mission

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

“It’s all about how we involve people: who is entitled to travel ocean waters, and who determines what occurs in these waters? Heritage boats function as a means to start that conversation.”