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In October on Lifou, a ancient-style canoe was launched into the turquoise waters – a seemingly minor event that signified a profoundly important moment.

It was the maiden journey of a heritage boat on Lifou in many decades, an gathering that united the island’s main family lineages in a rare show of unity.

Seafarer and campaigner Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the previous eight-year period, he has led a program that seeks to restore ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been constructed in an effort aimed at reconnecting local Kanak populations with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure explains the boats also promote the “opening of discussions” around maritime entitlements and ecological regulations.

International Advocacy

During the summer month of July, he visited France and conferred with President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for ocean governance developed alongside and by Indigenous communities that recognise their connection to the ocean.

“Previous generations always traveled by water. We abandoned that practice for a while,” Tikoure says. “Now we’re finding it again.”

Traditional vessels hold profound traditional importance in New Caledonia. They once stood for travel, interaction and tribal partnerships across islands, but those practices diminished under colonial rule and missionary influences.

Cultural Reclamation

The initiative began in 2016, when the New Caledonia government’s culture department was considering how to restore heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure collaborated with the administration and after two years the boat building initiative – known as Kenu Waan project – was established.

“The biggest challenge didn’t involve harvesting timber, it was persuading communities,” he notes.

Project Achievements

The initiative sought to revive heritage voyaging practices, educate new craftspeople and use vessel construction to enhance traditional heritage and island partnerships.

To date, the group has created a display, issued a volume and facilitated the creation or repair of nearly three dozen boats – from Goro to the northern shoreline.

Material Advantages

Different from many other oceanic nations where forest clearing has reduced timber supplies, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for constructing major boats.

“Elsewhere, they often work with modern composites. In our location, we can still craft from natural timber,” he states. “That represents all the difference.”

The vessels constructed under the Kenu Waan Project combine Polynesian hull design with regional navigation methods.

Academic Integration

Starting recently, Tikoure has also been instructing navigation and ancestral craft methods at the educational institution.

“For the first time ever this knowledge are taught at graduate studies. It’s not theory – it’s something I’ve experienced. I’ve crossed oceans on traditional boats. I’ve experienced profound emotion doing it.”

Island Cooperation

He voyaged with the team of the traditional boat, the Fijian canoe that sailed to Tonga for the oceanic conference in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, through various islands, it’s the same movement,” he explains. “We’re restoring the ocean as a community.”

Political Engagement

In July, Tikoure journeyed to the European location to present a “Traditional understanding of the ocean” when he had discussions with Macron and additional officials.

Addressing official and overseas representatives, he argued for collaborative ocean management based on Indigenous traditions and local engagement.

“You have to involve them – most importantly fishing communities.”

Modern Adaptation

Now, when mariners from across the Pacific – from Fiji, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – arrive in Lifou, they examine vessels in cooperation, modify the design and eventually voyage together.

“We don’t just copy the old models, we enable their progression.”

Integrated Mission

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

“The fundamental issue involves how we involve people: who is entitled to move across the sea, and who decides what occurs on it? Traditional vessels function as a means to begin that dialogue.”