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During the autumn month of October on Lifou, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was pushed into the turquoise waters – a simple gesture that represented a highly meaningful moment.

It was the maiden journey of a heritage boat on Lifou in many decades, an occasion that united the island’s main family lineages in a uncommon display of togetherness.

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was the driving force behind the launch. For the past eight years, he has led a program that seeks to restore traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Numerous traditional boats have been crafted in an project aimed at reconnecting local Kanak populations with their maritime heritage. Tikoure says the boats also facilitate the “opening of discussions” around sea access rights and ecological regulations.

Global Outreach

This past July, he travelled to France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for maritime regulations shaped with and by Indigenous communities that honor their relationship with the sea.

“Our ancestors always navigated the ocean. We abandoned that practice for a while,” Tikoure states. “Today we’re reclaiming it again.”

Heritage boats hold deep cultural importance in New Caledonia. They once represented movement, interaction and family cooperations across islands, but those practices diminished under colonial rule and outside cultural pressures.

Heritage Restoration

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

“The hardest part didn’t involve harvesting timber, it was persuading communities,” he says.

Project Achievements

The initiative aimed to restore heritage voyaging practices, mentor apprentice constructors and use canoe-making to enhance traditional heritage and regional collaboration.

Up to now, the team has created a display, published a book and enabled the building or renovation of approximately thirty vessels – from Goro to the northern shoreline.

Material Advantages

Unlike many other Pacific islands where tree loss has reduced lumber availability, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for constructing major boats.

“Elsewhere, they often use modern composites. Locally, we can still work with whole trees,” he states. “It makes a crucial distinction.”

The boats constructed under the program merge traditional boat forms with Melanesian rigging.

Teaching Development

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been teaching maritime travel and ancestral craft methods at the University of New Caledonia.

“This marks the initial occasion these topics are included at advanced education. It goes beyond textbooks – it’s something I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve sailed vast distances on these vessels. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness while accomplishing this.”

Pacific Partnerships

He voyaged with the members of the traditional boat, the Fijian canoe that traveled to Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, including our location, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he says. “We’re reclaiming the ocean collectively.”

Governance Efforts

In July, Tikoure journeyed to the European location to introduce a “Kanak vision of the marine environment” when he met with Macron and other leaders.

In front of government and overseas representatives, he pushed for shared maritime governance based on local practices and participation.

“It’s essential to include local populations – particularly those who live from fishing.”

Current Development

Currently, when navigators from various island nations – from Fiji, Micronesia and Aotearoa – arrive in Lifou, they examine vessels collectively, refine the construction and eventually voyage together.

“We don’t just copy the old models, we make them evolve.”

Integrated Mission

For Tikoure, instructing mariners and promoting conservation measures are linked.

“The fundamental issue involves community participation: who is entitled to travel ocean waters, and what authority governs which activities take place in these waters? Traditional vessels serve as a method to initiate that discussion.”