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In October on Lifou island, a double-hulled canoe was pushed into the lagoon – a simple gesture that marked a highly meaningful moment.

It was the maiden journey of a traditional canoe on Lifou in living memory, an occasion that assembled the island’s primary tribal groups in a rare show of unity.

Seafarer and campaigner Aile Tikoure was the driving force behind the launch. For the past eight years, he has led a program that aims to revive heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been built in an initiative designed to reconnect local Kanak populations with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure explains the boats also facilitate the “beginning of dialogue” around maritime entitlements and ecological regulations.

Diplomatic Efforts

During the summer month of July, he travelled to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, calling for ocean governance developed alongside and by local tribes that recognise their maritime heritage.

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

Canoes hold deep cultural meaning in New Caledonia. They once represented mobility, trade and family cooperations across islands, but those traditions diminished under colonisation and missionary influences.

Tradition Revival

His journey started in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was looking at how to bring back ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure partnered with the government and two years later the vessel restoration program – known as Kenu Waan project – was launched.

“The most difficult aspect was not wood collection, it was convincing people,” he notes.

Project Achievements

The initiative sought to revive traditional navigation techniques, educate new craftspeople and use canoe-making to reinforce cultural identity and regional collaboration.

To date, the organization has produced an exhibition, published a book and supported the building or renovation of nearly three dozen boats – from the southern region to Ponerihouen.

Resource Benefits

In contrast to many other Pacific islands where deforestation has limited lumber availability, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for crafting substantial vessels.

“There, they often use marine plywood. Locally, we can still craft from natural timber,” he says. “That represents a crucial distinction.”

The canoes built under the initiative combine traditional boat forms with Melanesian rigging.

Academic Integration

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been educating students in maritime travel and heritage building techniques at the local university.

“This marks the initial occasion these topics are included at master’s level. It goes beyond textbooks – this is knowledge I’ve experienced. I’ve navigated major waters on these vessels. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness while accomplishing this.”

Island Cooperation

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

“Throughout the region, from Fiji to here, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he states. “We’re reclaiming the ocean collectively.”

Governance Efforts

During the summer, Tikoure visited the European location to share a “Traditional understanding of the marine environment” when he had discussions with Macron and additional officials.

Before state and international delegates, he advocated for cooperative sea policies based on Kanak custom and local engagement.

“It’s essential to include them – particularly fishing communities.”

Contemporary Evolution

Now, when sailors from various island nations – from Fiji, Micronesia and Aotearoa – visit Lifou, they study canoes collectively, refine the construction and ultimately voyage together.

“We’re not simply replicating the old models, we enable their progression.”

Holistic Approach

According to Tikoure, instructing mariners and advocating environmental policy are interrelated.

“The fundamental issue involves public engagement: what permissions exist to navigate marine territories, and who decides which activities take place in these waters? Heritage boats function as a means to initiate that discussion.”