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In October on the island of Lifou, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was set afloat in the coastal lagoon – a simple gesture that signified a highly meaningful 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.

Seafarer and campaigner Aile Tikoure was the driving force behind the launch. For the previous eight-year period, he has spearheaded a initiative that works to resurrect traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been crafted in an initiative aimed at reconnecting native Kanak communities with their maritime heritage. Tikoure states the boats also promote the “opening of discussions” around sea access rights and ecological regulations.

Global Outreach

In July, he travelled to France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, calling for maritime regulations created in consultation with and by local tribes that honor their relationship with the sea.

“Our ancestors always traveled by water. We lost that for a period,” Tikoure states. “Today we’re reclaiming it again.”

Traditional vessels hold deep cultural meaning in New Caledonia. They once stood for mobility, exchange and tribal partnerships across islands, but those traditions diminished under colonial rule and missionary influences.

Tradition Revival

The initiative commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was exploring how to reintroduce 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 wasn’t harvesting timber, it was persuading communities,” he says.

Program Successes

The Kenu Waan project aimed to restore traditional navigation techniques, mentor apprentice constructors and use boat-building to reinforce traditional heritage and regional collaboration.

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

Resource Benefits

Different from many other oceanic nations where tree loss has diminished timber supplies, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for carving large hulls.

“Elsewhere, they often employ modern composites. In our location, we can still carve solid logs,” he says. “It makes a significant advantage.”

The canoes created under the program combine Polynesian hull design with Melanesian rigging.

Academic Integration

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been educating students in maritime travel and heritage building techniques at the University of New Caledonia.

“It’s the first time these topics are included at graduate studies. It goes beyond textbooks – these are experiences I’ve experienced. I’ve crossed oceans on traditional boats. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness during these journeys.”

Island Cooperation

He traveled with the members of the Uto ni Yalo, the Fijian canoe that sailed 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 states. “We’re reclaiming the maritime heritage together.”

Governance Efforts

In July, Tikoure journeyed to Nice, France to present a “Traditional understanding of the ocean” when he conferred with Macron and government representatives.

In front of government and foreign officials, he advocated for shared maritime governance based on Kanak custom and community involvement.

“It’s essential to include them – most importantly those who live from fishing.”

Contemporary Evolution

Today, when sailors from throughout the region – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and New Zealand – visit Lifou, they study canoes together, adjust the structure and finally navigate in unison.

“We don’t just copy the traditional forms, we enable their progression.”

Holistic Approach

For Tikoure, educating sailors and supporting ecological regulations are linked.

“It’s all about public engagement: who has the right to navigate marine territories, and what authority governs which activities take place in these waters? Traditional vessels serve as a method to initiate that discussion.”