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This past October on Lifou island, a ancient-style canoe was pushed into the coastal lagoon – a simple gesture 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 three chiefly clans in a rare show of unity.

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the last eight years, he has overseen a program that seeks to restore heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been crafted in an effort aimed at reconnecting native Kanak communities with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure explains the boats also facilitate the “start of conversation” around ocean rights and conservation measures.

Diplomatic Efforts

In July, he visited France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for ocean governance created in consultation with and by Indigenous communities that acknowledge their maritime heritage.

“Previous generations always crossed the sea. We forgot that knowledge for a time,” Tikoure explains. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Heritage boats hold significant historical significance in New Caledonia. They once symbolised travel, interaction and clan alliances across islands, but those customs declined under foreign occupation and religious conversion efforts.

Cultural Reclamation

This mission began in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was looking at how to reintroduce ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure collaborated with the government and after two years the canoe construction project – known as Kenu Waan project – was launched.

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

Program Successes

The Kenu Waan project sought to revive traditional navigation techniques, train young builders and use boat-building to strengthen cultural identity and island partnerships.

To date, the group has produced an exhibition, published a book and facilitated the creation or repair of nearly three dozen boats – from Goro to Ponerihouen.

Natural Resources

Different from many other Pacific islands where deforestation has limited wood resources, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for constructing major boats.

“There, they often employ synthetic materials. In our location, we can still carve solid logs,” he states. “That represents a crucial distinction.”

The vessels constructed under the Kenu Waan Project combine oceanic vessel shapes with local sailing systems.

Teaching Development

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been educating students in navigation and ancestral craft methods at the local university.

“It’s the first time these subjects are included at master’s level. It’s not theory – this is knowledge I’ve experienced. I’ve navigated major waters on these vessels. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness while accomplishing this.”

Regional Collaboration

Tikoure sailed with the crew of the Fijian vessel, the heritage craft that sailed to Tonga for the oceanic conference in 2024.

“Throughout the region, through various islands, it’s the same movement,” he states. “We’re reclaiming the ocean as a community.”

Policy Advocacy

This past July, Tikoure travelled to the French city to share a “Traditional understanding of the ocean” when he had discussions with Macron and additional officials.

Addressing official and overseas representatives, he argued for shared maritime governance based on Kanak custom and community involvement.

“It’s essential to include these communities – particularly fishing communities.”

Modern Adaptation

Currently, when navigators from various island nations – from Fiji, Micronesia and Aotearoa – arrive in Lifou, they analyze boats in cooperation, modify the design and ultimately sail side by side.

“We don’t just copy the traditional forms, we help them develop.”

Comprehensive Vision

For Tikoure, instructing mariners and advocating environmental policy are connected.

“The fundamental issue involves how we involve people: who is entitled to navigate marine territories, and what authority governs what occurs on it? Traditional vessels function as a means to begin that dialogue.”