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During the autumn month of October on Lifou island, a double-hulled canoe was set afloat in the turquoise waters – a small act that signified a highly meaningful moment.

It was the maiden journey of a ancestral vessel on Lifou in many decades, an occasion that brought together the island’s main family lineages 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 led a initiative that aims to revive ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been constructed in an initiative intended to reunite Indigenous Kanak people with their seafaring legacy. Tikoure says the boats also help the “beginning of dialogue” around maritime entitlements and environmental policies.

International Advocacy

During the summer month of July, he travelled to France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for ocean governance developed alongside and by native populations that acknowledge their maritime heritage.

“Our ancestors always traveled by water. We forgot that knowledge for a while,” Tikoure states. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Heritage boats hold significant historical significance in New Caledonia. They once represented movement, interaction and tribal partnerships across islands, but those customs faded under foreign occupation and outside cultural pressures.

Cultural Reclamation

The initiative commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was considering how to reintroduce ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure worked with the government and after two years the canoe construction project – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was born.

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

Program Successes

The initiative sought to revive ancestral sailing methods, educate new craftspeople and use canoe-making to enhance traditional heritage and regional collaboration.

Up to now, the team has created a display, issued a volume and facilitated the building or renovation of nearly three dozen boats – from Goro to Ponerihouen.

Resource Benefits

Different from many other oceanic nations where forest clearing has reduced lumber availability, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for carving large hulls.

“Elsewhere, they often employ modern composites. Here, we can still craft from natural timber,” he states. “This creates a significant advantage.”

The vessels created under the Kenu Waan Project combine oceanic vessel shapes with local sailing systems.

Educational Expansion

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been educating students in navigation and heritage building techniques at the educational institution.

“For the first time ever these subjects are taught at master’s level. It’s not theory – it’s something I’ve personally undertaken. I’ve sailed vast distances on these vessels. I’ve cried tears of joy while accomplishing this.”

Island Cooperation

He voyaged with the crew of the Fijian vessel, the Fijian canoe that traveled to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, from Fiji to here, this represents a unified effort,” he says. “We’re reclaiming the maritime heritage collectively.”

Governance Efforts

During the summer, Tikoure visited Nice, France to share a “Kanak vision of the marine environment” when he had discussions with Macron and additional officials.

Before state and overseas representatives, he advocated for cooperative sea policies based on local practices and community involvement.

“You have to involve them – especially fishing communities.”

Contemporary Evolution

Now, when sailors from various island nations – from the Fijian islands, Micronesia and New Zealand – come to Lifou, they analyze boats together, refine the construction and eventually sail side by side.

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

Comprehensive Vision

For Tikoure, instructing mariners and promoting conservation measures are interrelated.

“The fundamental issue involves public engagement: what permissions exist to move across the sea, and who determines which activities take place on it? Traditional vessels function as a means to initiate that discussion.”