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

It was the inaugural voyage of a traditional canoe on Lifou in generations, an occasion that assembled the island’s main family lineages in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was the driving force behind the launch. For the last eight years, he has spearheaded a project that seeks to restore heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Numerous traditional boats have been crafted in an initiative aimed at reconnecting local Kanak populations with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure states the boats also help the “start of conversation” around ocean rights and conservation measures.

International Advocacy

During the summer month of July, he visited France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for ocean governance created in consultation with and by local tribes that recognise their relationship with the sea.

“Forefathers always crossed the sea. We abandoned that practice for a period,” Tikoure states. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Traditional vessels hold deep cultural meaning in New Caledonia. They once symbolised mobility, exchange and family cooperations across islands, but those customs faded under colonial rule and outside cultural pressures.

Tradition Revival

The initiative began in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was exploring how to bring back heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure collaborated with the government and two years later the vessel restoration program – known as Kenu Waan project – was launched.

“The hardest part wasn’t harvesting timber, it was convincing people,” he explains.

Program Successes

The Kenu Waan project worked to bring back heritage voyaging practices, train young builders and use boat-building to reinforce community pride and regional collaboration.

So far, the organization has produced an exhibition, released a publication and enabled the construction or restoration of around 30 canoes – from Goro to the northeastern coast.

Material Advantages

Unlike many other island territories where tree loss has limited timber supplies, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for crafting substantial vessels.

“Elsewhere, they often use synthetic materials. Locally, we can still craft from natural timber,” he explains. “That represents a significant advantage.”

The vessels constructed under the initiative integrate traditional boat forms with regional navigation methods.

Academic Integration

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been teaching seafaring and ancestral craft methods at the local university.

“For the first time ever this knowledge are taught at master’s level. It’s not theory – it’s something I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve sailed vast distances on traditional boats. I’ve experienced profound emotion during these journeys.”

Island Cooperation

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

“Across the Pacific, through various islands, it’s the same movement,” he states. “We’re restoring the ocean collectively.”

Governance Efforts

This past July, Tikoure visited the European location to share a “Traditional understanding of the sea” when he conferred with Macron and additional officials.

Addressing official and international delegates, he advocated for shared maritime governance based on Kanak custom and participation.

“You have to involve these communities – most importantly fishing communities.”

Modern Adaptation

Today, when sailors from various island nations – from the Fijian islands, the Micronesian region and New Zealand – visit Lifou, they study canoes collectively, adjust the structure and ultimately voyage together.

“It’s not about duplicating the traditional forms, we make them evolve.”

Comprehensive Vision

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

“The fundamental issue involves community participation: what permissions exist to navigate marine territories, and what authority governs what happens in these waters? Heritage boats is a way to begin that dialogue.”