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This past October on the island of Lifou, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was launched into the turquoise waters – a seemingly minor event that represented a highly meaningful moment.

It was the inaugural voyage of a ancestral vessel on Lifou in generations, an event that assembled the island’s main family lineages in a rare show of unity.

Seafarer and campaigner Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the last eight years, he has led a project that seeks to restore traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Numerous traditional boats have been built in an project intended to reunite native Kanak communities with their seafaring legacy. Tikoure states the boats also facilitate the “start of conversation” around sea access rights and environmental policies.

Diplomatic Efforts

This past July, he visited France and met President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for ocean governance developed alongside and by native populations that recognise their maritime heritage.

“Previous generations always traveled by water. We lost that for a time,” Tikoure explains. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Heritage boats hold significant historical significance in New Caledonia. They once symbolised movement, exchange and tribal partnerships across islands, but those traditions declined under colonisation and outside cultural pressures.

Tradition Revival

The initiative started in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was exploring how to restore ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure worked with the authorities and following a two-year period the vessel restoration program – known as Project Kenu Waan – was launched.

“The most difficult aspect wasn’t cutting down trees, it was gaining local support,” he notes.

Program Successes

The program sought to revive traditional navigation techniques, train young builders and use canoe-making to strengthen community pride and inter-island cooperation.

To date, the team has organized a showcase, issued a volume and facilitated the building or renovation of approximately thirty vessels – from Goro to Ponerihouen.

Natural Resources

In contrast to many other oceanic nations where tree loss has diminished timber supplies, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for crafting substantial vessels.

“In other places, they often use synthetic materials. Locally, we can still work with whole trees,” he says. “That represents a crucial distinction.”

The canoes created under the program combine Polynesian hull design with local sailing systems.

Teaching Development

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been instructing seafaring and traditional construction history at the educational institution.

“It’s the first time these topics are taught at advanced education. It goes beyond textbooks – it’s something I’ve lived. I’ve navigated major waters on traditional boats. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness during these journeys.”

Regional Collaboration

Tikoure sailed with the team of the Uto ni Yalo, the Fijian canoe that journeyed to Tonga for the oceanic conference in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, including our location, it’s the same movement,” he states. “We’re reclaiming the maritime heritage as a community.”

Policy Advocacy

In July, Tikoure journeyed to Nice, France to introduce a “Indigenous perspective of the sea” when he had discussions with Macron and other leaders.

Addressing official and foreign officials, he advocated for collaborative ocean management based on Kanak custom and local engagement.

“You have to involve these communities – especially fishing communities.”

Modern Adaptation

Today, when navigators from across the Pacific – from the Fijian islands, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – arrive in Lifou, they analyze boats collectively, refine the construction and ultimately voyage together.

“We don’t just copy the old models, we help them develop.”

Integrated Mission

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

“It’s all about public engagement: what permissions exist to move across the sea, and who determines what occurs in these waters? Heritage boats serve as a method to begin that dialogue.”