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This past October on Lifou, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was set afloat in the coastal lagoon – a small act that represented a highly meaningful moment.

It was the first launch of a ancestral vessel on Lifou in many decades, an gathering that brought together the island’s three chiefly clans in a exceptional demonstration of solidarity.

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the past eight years, he has led a project that aims to revive traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been built in an project aimed at reconnecting native Kanak communities with their maritime heritage. Tikoure states the boats also help the “beginning of dialogue” around sea access rights and conservation measures.

Diplomatic Efforts

In July, he journeyed to France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for marine policies shaped with and by Indigenous communities that honor their maritime heritage.

“Our ancestors always crossed the sea. We abandoned that practice for a time,” Tikoure explains. “Now we’re finding it again.”

Traditional vessels hold significant historical significance in New Caledonia. They once represented mobility, interaction and clan alliances across islands, but those customs declined under foreign occupation and missionary influences.

Tradition Revival

His journey began in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was exploring how to reintroduce ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure worked with the government and after two years the vessel restoration program – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was established.

“The hardest part was not harvesting timber, it was persuading communities,” he says.

Project Achievements

The Kenu Waan project worked to bring back heritage voyaging practices, educate new craftspeople and use canoe-making to reinforce traditional heritage and island partnerships.

So far, the team has organized a showcase, released a publication and facilitated the creation or repair of around 30 canoes – from Goro to the northeastern coast.

Natural Resources

Different from many other oceanic nations where forest clearing has diminished wood resources, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for carving large hulls.

“There, they often work with modern composites. Locally, we can still carve solid logs,” he explains. “That represents a significant advantage.”

The boats created under the initiative combine traditional boat forms with local sailing systems.

Educational Expansion

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been educating students in navigation and traditional construction history at the local university.

“This marks the initial occasion these subjects are included at graduate studies. This isn’t academic – these are experiences I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve crossed oceans on these canoes. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness during these journeys.”

Island Cooperation

He voyaged with the crew of the traditional boat, the Fijian canoe that journeyed to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“Throughout the region, from Fiji to here, this represents a unified effort,” he states. “We’re reclaiming the maritime heritage together.”

Policy Advocacy

This past July, Tikoure journeyed to the French city to introduce a “Traditional understanding of the sea” when he conferred with Macron and other leaders.

Addressing official and international delegates, he pushed for collaborative ocean management based on Indigenous traditions and community involvement.

“You have to involve them – particularly those who live from fishing.”

Modern Adaptation

Today, when navigators from various island nations – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and New Zealand – visit Lifou, they analyze boats together, adjust the structure and ultimately voyage together.

“We don’t just copy the ancient designs, we enable their progression.”

Holistic Approach

In his view, teaching navigation and advocating environmental policy are interrelated.

“It’s all about community participation: who is entitled to travel ocean waters, and what authority governs which activities take place in these waters? Traditional vessels is a way to initiate that discussion.”