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This past October on Lifou, a double-hulled canoe was launched into the lagoon – a seemingly minor event that signified a highly meaningful moment.

It was the maiden journey of a ancestral vessel on Lifou in generations, an event that assembled the island’s three chiefly clans in a uncommon display of togetherness.

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was behind the launch. For the previous eight-year period, he has spearheaded a project that aims to revive ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been built in an project aimed at reconnecting local Kanak populations with their oceanic traditions. Tikoure states the boats also facilitate the “start of conversation” around ocean rights and ecological regulations.

Global Outreach

This past July, he travelled to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for marine policies created in consultation with and by native populations that acknowledge their maritime heritage.

“Forefathers always navigated the ocean. We lost that for a time,” Tikoure explains. “Now we’re finding it again.”

Heritage boats hold deep cultural meaning in New Caledonia. They once represented movement, trade and clan alliances across islands, but those traditions diminished under colonial rule and missionary influences.

Cultural Reclamation

This mission commenced in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was looking at how to bring back heritage vessel construction methods. Tikoure partnered with the government and two years later the boat building initiative – known as Project Kenu Waan – was established.

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

Program Successes

The Kenu Waan project sought to revive ancestral sailing methods, educate new craftspeople and use boat-building to enhance community pride and inter-island cooperation.

Up to now, the organization has organized a showcase, published a book and facilitated the building or renovation of nearly three dozen boats – from Goro to Ponerihouen.

Natural Resources

Unlike many other island territories where tree loss has reduced lumber availability, New Caledonia still has appropriate timber for crafting substantial vessels.

“There, they often work with modern composites. Locally, we can still craft from natural timber,” he explains. “It makes a crucial distinction.”

The boats built under the Kenu Waan Project combine Polynesian hull design with regional navigation methods.

Academic Integration

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

“For the first time ever these topics are taught at advanced education. It’s not theory – these are experiences I’ve experienced. I’ve sailed vast distances on these canoes. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness during these journeys.”

Pacific Partnerships

He voyaged with the team of the Uto ni Yalo, the Pacific vessel that sailed to Tonga for the oceanic conference in 2024.

“Throughout the region, through various islands, we’re part of a collective initiative,” he explains. “We’re reclaiming the sea as a community.”

Political Engagement

In July, Tikoure travelled to the European location to share a “Indigenous perspective of the marine environment” when he had discussions with Macron and government representatives.

In front of government and overseas representatives, he argued for shared maritime governance based on Kanak custom and community involvement.

“We must engage them – most importantly those who live from fishing.”

Current Development

Today, when navigators from various island nations – from Fiji, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – come to Lifou, they examine vessels together, refine the construction and eventually navigate in unison.

“It’s not about duplicating the ancient designs, we make them evolve.”

Comprehensive Vision

In his view, teaching navigation and supporting ecological regulations are interrelated.

“The fundamental issue involves public engagement: who is entitled to travel ocean waters, and what authority governs what occurs on it? Heritage boats is a way to begin that dialogue.”