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In October on Lifou, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was pushed into the coastal lagoon – a seemingly minor event that represented a profoundly important moment.

It was the maiden journey of a ancestral vessel on Lifou in many decades, an gathering that assembled 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 previous eight-year period, he has overseen a initiative that aims to revive heritage canoe building in New Caledonia.

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

Global Outreach

During the summer month of July, he visited France and met President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for ocean governance shaped with and by local tribes that acknowledge their relationship with the sea.

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

Traditional vessels hold deep cultural meaning in New Caledonia. They once stood for movement, interaction and clan alliances across islands, but those practices diminished under foreign occupation and outside cultural pressures.

Cultural Reclamation

This mission started in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was looking at how to reintroduce traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure partnered with the administration and two years later the vessel restoration program – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was established.

“The hardest part didn’t involve cutting down trees, it was gaining local support,” he explains.

Program Successes

The initiative sought to revive ancestral sailing methods, train young builders and use vessel construction to reinforce traditional heritage and regional collaboration.

To date, the organization has produced an exhibition, published a book and supported the construction or restoration of around 30 canoes – from the southern region to the northern shoreline.

Resource Benefits

In contrast to many other oceanic nations where forest clearing has diminished lumber availability, New Caledonia still has suitable wood for crafting substantial vessels.

“There, they often use modern composites. Here, we can still craft from natural timber,” he states. “That represents a crucial distinction.”

The boats created under the Kenu Waan Project integrate Polynesian hull design with Melanesian rigging.

Academic Integration

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been instructing seafaring and traditional construction history at the educational institution.

“For the first time ever these topics are offered at graduate studies. It goes beyond textbooks – this is knowledge I’ve lived. I’ve sailed vast distances on these vessels. I’ve felt overwhelming happiness during these journeys.”

Island Cooperation

He voyaged with the members of the Fijian vessel, the Pacific vessel that traveled to Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2024.

“Throughout the region, from Fiji to here, it’s the same movement,” he says. “We’re reclaiming the sea collectively.”

Political Engagement

During the summer, Tikoure journeyed to the French city to introduce a “Traditional understanding of the ocean” when he had discussions with Macron and government representatives.

In front of government and international delegates, he argued for collaborative ocean management based on Indigenous traditions and local engagement.

“It’s essential to include these communities – most importantly people dependent on marine resources.”

Current Development

Now, when sailors from across the Pacific – from the Fijian islands, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – visit Lifou, they study canoes collectively, modify the design and ultimately navigate in unison.

“We don’t just copy the traditional forms, we enable their progression.”

Integrated Mission

For Tikoure, educating sailors and supporting ecological regulations are linked.

“The core concept concerns community participation: what permissions exist to navigate marine territories, and who determines what happens in these waters? Traditional vessels function as a means to start that conversation.”