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This past October on the island of Lifou, a double-hulled canoe was set afloat in the turquoise waters – a simple gesture that signified a profoundly important moment.

It was the maiden journey of a heritage boat on Lifou in generations, an occasion that united the island’s primary tribal groups in a uncommon display of togetherness.

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the previous eight-year period, he has spearheaded a project that works to resurrect heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been constructed in an project aimed at reconnecting local Kanak populations with their maritime heritage. Tikoure states the boats also promote the “beginning of dialogue” around sea access rights and ecological regulations.

Global Outreach

During the summer month of July, he travelled to France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for marine policies shaped with and by Indigenous communities that recognise their maritime heritage.

“Our ancestors always navigated the ocean. We forgot that knowledge for a while,” Tikoure states. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Traditional vessels hold deep cultural meaning in New Caledonia. They once represented mobility, exchange and clan alliances across islands, but those practices diminished under foreign occupation and religious conversion efforts.

Cultural Reclamation

The initiative commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was looking at how to restore heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure partnered with the administration and after two years the boat building initiative – known as Project Kenu Waan – was born.

“The biggest challenge was not wood collection, it was convincing people,” he explains.

Initiative Accomplishments

The program worked to bring back heritage voyaging practices, mentor apprentice constructors and use vessel construction to strengthen traditional heritage and island partnerships.

So far, the team has organized a showcase, released a publication and enabled the building or renovation of approximately thirty vessels – from Goro to the northeastern coast.

Material Advantages

In contrast to many other oceanic nations where tree loss has limited lumber availability, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for crafting substantial vessels.

“There, they often employ synthetic materials. In our location, we can still work with whole trees,” he explains. “This creates all the difference.”

The vessels created under the initiative merge Polynesian hull design with Melanesian rigging.

Teaching Development

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been instructing navigation and heritage building techniques at the educational institution.

“It’s the first time these subjects are offered at advanced education. This isn’t academic – this is knowledge I’ve experienced. I’ve navigated major waters on these canoes. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness during these journeys.”

Island Cooperation

Tikoure sailed with the team of the Uto ni Yalo, the heritage craft that traveled to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, from Fiji to here, this represents a unified effort,” he explains. “We’re reclaiming the ocean together.”

Governance Efforts

In July, Tikoure journeyed to the European location to present a “Indigenous perspective of the ocean” when he had discussions with Macron and other leaders.

In front of government and overseas representatives, he advocated for cooperative sea policies based on Indigenous traditions and participation.

“We must engage them – most importantly those who live from fishing.”

Contemporary Evolution

Currently, when mariners from across the Pacific – from Fiji, the Micronesian region and New Zealand – arrive in Lifou, they analyze boats together, adjust the structure and eventually sail side by side.

“It’s not about duplicating the traditional forms, we enable their progression.”

Holistic Approach

For Tikoure, teaching navigation and promoting conservation measures are interrelated.

“It’s all about community participation: who is entitled to travel ocean waters, and who decides what happens on it? Heritage boats function as a means to begin that dialogue.”