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

It was the maiden journey of a traditional canoe on Lifou in living memory, an occasion that united the island’s main family lineages in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the past eight years, he has led a project that seeks to restore ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been built in an effort intended to reunite native Kanak communities with their maritime heritage. Tikoure says the boats also help the “opening of discussions” around ocean rights and environmental policies.

International Advocacy

In July, he journeyed to France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for marine policies developed alongside and by local tribes that recognise their maritime heritage.

“Our ancestors always crossed the sea. We abandoned that practice for a period,” Tikoure explains. “Today we’re reclaiming it again.”

Heritage boats hold profound traditional significance in New Caledonia. They once stood for travel, trade and tribal partnerships across islands, but those practices faded under colonial rule and missionary influences.

Tradition Revival

The initiative began in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was exploring how to reintroduce ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure collaborated with the government and following a two-year period the vessel restoration program – known as Kenu Waan project – was born.

“The biggest challenge was not harvesting timber, it was convincing people,” he says.

Program Successes

The program worked to bring back traditional navigation techniques, educate new craftspeople and use boat-building to enhance cultural identity and regional collaboration.

So far, the organization has created a display, released a publication and supported the construction or restoration of around 30 canoes – from Goro to the northeastern coast.

Resource Benefits

Different from many other oceanic nations where deforestation has limited timber supplies, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for crafting substantial vessels.

“There, they often employ synthetic materials. In our location, we can still craft from natural timber,” he states. “It makes a significant advantage.”

The boats built under the program merge traditional boat forms with Melanesian rigging.

Academic Integration

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been instructing seafaring and ancestral craft methods at the University of New Caledonia.

“It’s the first time this knowledge are included at graduate studies. It goes beyond textbooks – these are experiences I’ve lived. I’ve sailed vast distances on traditional boats. I’ve experienced profound emotion doing it.”

Pacific Partnerships

He voyaged with the members of the Uto ni Yalo, the Pacific vessel that sailed to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“Across the Pacific, from Fiji to here, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he says. “We’re restoring the sea together.”

Governance Efforts

In July, Tikoure visited Nice, France to share a “Kanak vision of the marine environment” when he met with Macron and other leaders.

In front of government and international delegates, he argued for cooperative sea policies based on local practices and participation.

“We must engage local populations – particularly people dependent on marine resources.”

Current Development

Today, when navigators from throughout the region – from Fiji, Micronesia and Aotearoa – arrive in Lifou, they analyze boats in cooperation, modify the design and eventually navigate in unison.

“It’s not about duplicating the ancient designs, we help them develop.”

Integrated Mission

According to Tikoure, teaching navigation and advocating environmental policy are connected.

“The core concept concerns community participation: who is entitled to travel ocean waters, and who determines which activities take place on it? Traditional vessels serve as a method to begin that dialogue.”