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In October on the island of Lifou, a ancient-style canoe was pushed into the coastal lagoon – a small act that marked a profoundly important moment.

It was the first launch of a ancestral vessel on Lifou in generations, an occasion that united the island’s main family lineages in a rare show of unity.

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the past eight years, he has spearheaded a project that aims to revive ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been constructed in an effort intended to reunite local Kanak populations with their seafaring legacy. Tikoure says the boats also promote the “start of conversation” around sea access rights and conservation measures.

International Advocacy

This past July, he journeyed to France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for marine policies shaped with and by native populations that honor their connection to the ocean.

“Our ancestors always traveled by water. We lost that for a period,” Tikoure states. “Today we’re reclaiming it again.”

Traditional vessels hold profound traditional meaning in New Caledonia. They once symbolised travel, exchange and tribal partnerships across islands, but those traditions faded under foreign occupation and missionary influences.

Heritage Restoration

His journey started in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was exploring how to bring back ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure collaborated with the authorities and after two years the boat building initiative – known as Project Kenu Waan – was born.

“The most difficult aspect was not harvesting timber, it was persuading communities,” he says.

Initiative Accomplishments

The program sought to revive heritage voyaging practices, mentor apprentice constructors and use boat-building to enhance traditional heritage and inter-island cooperation.

So far, the group has organized a showcase, issued a volume and enabled the construction or restoration of approximately thirty vessels – from Goro to Ponerihouen.

Resource Benefits

Different from many other island territories where forest clearing has limited wood resources, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for constructing major boats.

“Elsewhere, they often work with synthetic materials. In our location, we can still work with whole trees,” he explains. “That represents a significant advantage.”

The vessels created under the Kenu Waan Project combine oceanic vessel shapes with regional navigation methods.

Educational Expansion

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

“It’s the first time these topics are included at advanced education. It goes beyond textbooks – these are experiences I’ve lived. I’ve sailed vast distances on traditional boats. I’ve cried tears of joy during these journeys.”

Pacific Partnerships

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

“Across the Pacific, through various islands, it’s the same movement,” he states. “We’re restoring the maritime heritage collectively.”

Political Engagement

In July, Tikoure travelled to the French city to share a “Kanak vision of the sea” when he had discussions with Macron and additional officials.

In front of government and foreign officials, he advocated for collaborative ocean management based on local practices and participation.

“It’s essential to include these communities – particularly people dependent on marine resources.”

Modern Adaptation

Today, when navigators from across the Pacific – from Fiji, the Micronesian region and New Zealand – visit Lifou, they examine vessels collectively, refine the construction and eventually navigate in unison.

“It’s not about duplicating the ancient designs, we make them evolve.”

Holistic Approach

In his view, teaching navigation and promoting conservation measures are interrelated.

“The core concept concerns public engagement: who has the right to travel ocean waters, and what authority governs which activities take place on it? The canoe serve as a method to begin that dialogue.”