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During the autumn month of October on Lifou island, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was set afloat in the turquoise waters – a small act that marked a highly meaningful moment.

It was the maiden journey of a ancestral vessel on Lifou in living memory, an event that assembled the island’s three chiefly clans in a rare show of unity.

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the previous eight-year period, he has spearheaded a initiative that aims to revive ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been crafted in an effort designed to reconnect local Kanak populations with their maritime heritage. Tikoure states the boats also facilitate the “beginning of dialogue” around maritime entitlements and environmental policies.

Diplomatic Efforts

In July, he visited France and met President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for maritime regulations developed alongside and by local tribes that honor their connection to the ocean.

“Our ancestors always crossed the sea. We forgot that knowledge for a time,” Tikoure states. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Canoes hold significant historical significance in New Caledonia. They once represented mobility, trade and clan alliances across islands, but those customs faded under colonial rule and missionary influences.

Heritage Restoration

His journey began in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was considering how to bring back traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure worked with the authorities and two years later the canoe construction project – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was established.

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

Program Successes

The program worked to bring back traditional navigation techniques, mentor apprentice constructors and use canoe-making to reinforce traditional heritage and inter-island cooperation.

So far, the group has created a display, issued a volume and facilitated the creation or repair of around 30 canoes – from the far south to Ponerihouen.

Natural Resources

Different from many other island territories where deforestation has diminished wood resources, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for constructing major boats.

“Elsewhere, they often use modern composites. Here, we can still work with whole trees,” he says. “That represents a crucial distinction.”

The canoes constructed under the Kenu Waan Project integrate traditional boat forms with local sailing systems.

Academic Integration

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been instructing navigation and traditional construction history at the educational institution.

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

Island Cooperation

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

“Across the Pacific, including our location, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he says. “We’re taking back the ocean together.”

Political Engagement

This past July, Tikoure visited Nice, France to present a “Kanak vision of the sea” when he had discussions with Macron and other leaders.

Before state and overseas representatives, he pushed for shared maritime governance based on Kanak custom and local engagement.

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

Modern Adaptation

Currently, when sailors from various island nations – from the Fijian islands, the Micronesian region and New Zealand – visit Lifou, they examine vessels together, refine the construction and finally sail side by side.

“It’s not about duplicating the ancient designs, we enable their progression.”

Integrated Mission

According to Tikoure, educating sailors and advocating environmental policy are linked.

“It’s all about public engagement: who is entitled to move across the sea, and who determines which activities take place in these waters? The canoe serve as a method to start that conversation.”