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During the autumn month of October on Lifou, a ancient-style canoe was pushed into the turquoise waters – a simple gesture that signified a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the first launch of a heritage boat on Lifou in generations, an event that brought together the island’s primary tribal groups in a uncommon display of togetherness.

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

Numerous traditional boats have been built in an project intended to reunite native Kanak communities with their maritime heritage. Tikoure says the boats also promote the “start of conversation” around sea access rights and ecological regulations.

International Advocacy

During the summer month of July, he visited France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for marine policies shaped with and by native populations that acknowledge their connection to the ocean.

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

Heritage boats hold significant historical importance in New Caledonia. They once symbolised mobility, trade and tribal partnerships across islands, but those customs diminished under foreign occupation and outside cultural pressures.

Cultural Reclamation

This mission commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was exploring how to reintroduce heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure partnered with the government and following a two-year period the boat building initiative – known as Kenu Waan project – was established.

“The biggest challenge wasn’t harvesting timber, it was persuading communities,” he notes.

Initiative Accomplishments

The initiative worked to bring back ancestral sailing methods, educate new craftspeople and use vessel construction to strengthen cultural identity and regional collaboration.

So far, the group has produced an exhibition, published a book and enabled the creation or repair of nearly three dozen boats – from Goro to Ponerihouen.

Natural Resources

In contrast to many other Pacific islands where tree loss has limited lumber availability, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for carving large hulls.

“There, they often use marine plywood. Here, we can still carve solid logs,” he explains. “It makes a crucial distinction.”

The vessels created under the Kenu Waan Project merge oceanic vessel shapes with regional navigation methods.

Teaching Development

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been instructing maritime travel and heritage building techniques at the educational institution.

“It’s the first time these subjects are taught at master’s level. It’s not theory – these are experiences I’ve experienced. I’ve crossed oceans on these canoes. I’ve experienced profound emotion while accomplishing this.”

Regional Collaboration

He voyaged with the team of the Fijian vessel, the Fijian canoe that traveled to Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2024.

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

Political Engagement

This past July, Tikoure visited the French city to present a “Kanak vision of the ocean” when he met with Macron and government representatives.

In front of government and overseas representatives, he advocated for cooperative sea policies based on local practices and participation.

“It’s essential to include these communities – most importantly people dependent on marine resources.”

Modern Adaptation

Currently, when navigators from various island nations – from the Fijian islands, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – visit Lifou, they analyze boats in cooperation, refine the construction and finally voyage together.

“We don’t just copy the old models, we enable their progression.”

Comprehensive Vision

In his view, educating sailors and supporting ecological regulations are linked.

“The core concept concerns public engagement: who is entitled to move across the sea, and what authority governs what occurs there? Heritage boats serve as a method to initiate that discussion.”