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This past October on the island of Lifou, a double-hulled canoe was pushed into the coastal lagoon – a simple gesture that represented a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the maiden journey of a traditional canoe on Lifou in generations, an gathering that brought together the island’s three chiefly clans in a uncommon display of togetherness.

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the last eight years, he has overseen a project that works to resurrect heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Numerous traditional boats have been built in an initiative intended to reunite local Kanak populations with their maritime heritage. Tikoure states the boats also promote the “beginning of dialogue” around ocean rights and environmental policies.

Global Outreach

In July, he visited France and had discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for ocean governance shaped with and by native populations that acknowledge their relationship with the sea.

“Previous generations always navigated the ocean. We forgot that knowledge for a time,” Tikoure explains. “Now we’re finding it again.”

Traditional vessels hold significant historical significance in New Caledonia. They once stood for movement, exchange and tribal partnerships across islands, but those customs declined under colonisation and outside cultural pressures.

Tradition Revival

This mission began in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was considering how to bring back ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure partnered with the administration and two years later the vessel restoration program – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was established.

“The biggest challenge wasn’t harvesting timber, it was gaining local support,” he explains.

Project Achievements

The Kenu Waan project worked to bring back heritage voyaging practices, mentor apprentice constructors and use vessel construction to strengthen cultural identity and island partnerships.

Up to now, the organization has produced an exhibition, issued a volume and supported the building or renovation of nearly three dozen boats – from the southern region to the northern shoreline.

Natural Resources

In contrast to many other Pacific islands where deforestation has limited wood resources, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for constructing major boats.

“There, they often work with modern composites. In our location, we can still work with whole trees,” he explains. “It makes all the difference.”

The vessels constructed under the initiative integrate Polynesian hull design with regional navigation methods.

Academic Integration

Since 2024, Tikoure has also been instructing seafaring and heritage building techniques at the local university.

“It’s the first time these subjects are included at master’s level. It’s not theory – these are experiences I’ve experienced. I’ve sailed vast distances on these vessels. I’ve experienced profound emotion doing it.”

Island Cooperation

Tikoure sailed with the crew of the Uto ni Yalo, the Pacific vessel that journeyed to Tonga for the oceanic conference in 2024.

“Across the Pacific, from Fiji to here, it’s the same movement,” he explains. “We’re restoring the sea together.”

Governance Efforts

This past July, Tikoure travelled to Nice, France to introduce a “Kanak vision of the ocean” when he had discussions with Macron and additional officials.

In front of government and overseas representatives, he advocated for cooperative sea policies based on Indigenous traditions and local engagement.

“It’s essential to include these communities – especially fishing communities.”

Current Development

Now, when mariners from across the Pacific – from Fiji, Micronesia and New Zealand – arrive in Lifou, they study canoes together, refine the construction and ultimately voyage together.

“We’re not simply replicating the ancient designs, we make them evolve.”

Comprehensive Vision

For Tikoure, instructing mariners and supporting ecological regulations are interrelated.

“The fundamental issue involves how we involve people: who has the right to travel ocean waters, and who determines which activities take place there? Heritage boats serve as a method to start that conversation.”