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This past October on the island of Lifou, a ancient-style canoe was pushed into the turquoise waters – a simple gesture that represented a highly meaningful moment.

It was the maiden journey of a traditional canoe on Lifou in living memory, an occasion that brought together the island’s main family lineages in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was the driving force behind the launch. For the previous eight-year period, he has spearheaded a initiative that works to resurrect ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been constructed in an project aimed at reconnecting native Kanak communities with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure explains the boats also facilitate the “start of conversation” around sea access rights and conservation measures.

International Advocacy

During the summer month of July, he travelled to France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for maritime regulations created in consultation with and by local tribes that recognise their relationship with the sea.

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

Heritage boats hold deep cultural significance in New Caledonia. They once stood for movement, interaction and clan alliances across islands, but those practices declined under colonial rule and outside cultural pressures.

Tradition Revival

His journey started in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was exploring how to reintroduce heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure worked with the administration and after two years the vessel restoration program – known as Kenu Waan project – was launched.

“The biggest challenge wasn’t harvesting timber, it was persuading communities,” he notes.

Program Successes

The program aimed to restore heritage voyaging practices, mentor apprentice constructors and use canoe-making to reinforce community pride and island partnerships.

To date, the team has organized a showcase, published a book and facilitated the construction or restoration of around 30 canoes – from the southern region to the northeastern coast.

Natural Resources

Unlike many other oceanic nations where tree loss has limited timber supplies, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for crafting substantial vessels.

“Elsewhere, they often employ modern composites. In our location, we can still carve solid logs,” he states. “This creates a significant advantage.”

The boats constructed under the program integrate oceanic vessel shapes with Melanesian rigging.

Academic Integration

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been teaching navigation and ancestral craft methods at the local university.

“It’s the first time these topics are included at advanced education. It’s not theory – these are experiences I’ve experienced. I’ve sailed vast distances on these canoes. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness while accomplishing this.”

Island Cooperation

He traveled with the members of the traditional boat, the Pacific vessel that sailed to Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2024.

“Throughout the region, from Fiji to here, this represents a unified effort,” he explains. “We’re restoring the ocean as a community.”

Policy Advocacy

This past July, Tikoure visited the French city to share a “Kanak vision of the marine environment” when he had discussions with Macron and additional officials.

Before state and overseas representatives, he advocated for collaborative ocean management based on Indigenous traditions and community involvement.

“You have to involve these communities – particularly those who live from fishing.”

Current Development

Now, when mariners from across the Pacific – from the Fijian islands, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – visit Lifou, they examine vessels in cooperation, adjust the structure and finally navigate in unison.

“We’re not simply replicating the traditional forms, we help them develop.”

Comprehensive Vision

According to Tikoure, educating sailors and advocating environmental policy are linked.

“The fundamental issue involves how we involve people: who is entitled to move across the sea, and what authority governs which activities take place in these waters? The canoe function as a means to start that conversation.”