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In October on the island of Lifou, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was pushed into the lagoon – a seemingly minor event that represented a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the inaugural voyage of a traditional canoe on Lifou in generations, an event that assembled the island’s primary tribal groups in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was the driving force behind the launch. For the last eight years, he has spearheaded a initiative that aims to revive ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been crafted in an initiative aimed at reconnecting native Kanak communities with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure states the boats also promote the “start of conversation” around maritime entitlements and environmental policies.

International Advocacy

In July, he visited France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for maritime regulations developed alongside and by native populations that honor their relationship with the sea.

“Forefathers always navigated the ocean. We lost that for a time,” Tikoure states. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Traditional vessels hold profound traditional importance in New Caledonia. They once symbolised mobility, exchange and family cooperations across islands, but those practices faded under colonial rule and outside cultural pressures.

Tradition Revival

His journey 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 authorities and two years later the vessel restoration program – known as Kenu Waan project – was established.

“The hardest part wasn’t cutting down trees, it was convincing people,” he notes.

Program Successes

The initiative sought to revive ancestral sailing methods, educate new craftspeople and use canoe-making to enhance cultural identity and island partnerships.

Up to now, the organization has produced an exhibition, issued a volume and supported the creation or repair of around 30 canoes – from Goro to Ponerihouen.

Natural Resources

In contrast to many other island territories where deforestation has reduced lumber availability, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for carving large hulls.

“Elsewhere, they often employ marine plywood. Locally, we can still craft from natural timber,” he states. “It makes a crucial distinction.”

The boats created under the Kenu Waan Project combine traditional boat forms with local sailing systems.

Educational Expansion

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been educating students in maritime travel and ancestral craft methods at the University of New Caledonia.

“For the first time ever these topics are included at advanced education. It’s not theory – this is knowledge I’ve lived. I’ve navigated major waters on these canoes. I’ve experienced profound emotion while accomplishing this.”

Pacific Partnerships

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

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

Governance Efforts

In July, Tikoure visited Nice, France to share a “Traditional understanding of the marine environment” when he conferred with Macron and government representatives.

In front of government and foreign officials, he pushed for cooperative sea policies based on Indigenous traditions and local engagement.

“It’s essential to include local populations – most importantly fishing communities.”

Contemporary Evolution

Currently, when mariners from throughout the region – from the Fijian islands, the Micronesian region and New Zealand – arrive in Lifou, they analyze boats collectively, refine the construction and ultimately navigate in unison.

“We’re not simply replicating the traditional forms, we make them evolve.”

Integrated Mission

For Tikoure, instructing mariners and supporting ecological regulations are linked.

“It’s all about community participation: who is entitled to travel ocean waters, and who decides what happens on it? The canoe serve as a method to start that conversation.”