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In October on Lifou island, a ancient-style canoe was pushed into the coastal lagoon – a seemingly minor event that signified a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the maiden journey of a traditional canoe on Lifou in living memory, an gathering that brought together the island’s main family lineages in a uncommon display of togetherness.

Mariner and advocate Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the last eight years, he has overseen a project that aims to revive traditional boat making in New Caledonia.

Dozens of canoes have been crafted in an effort designed to reconnect native Kanak communities with their maritime heritage. Tikoure says the boats also help the “start of conversation” around maritime entitlements and environmental policies.

International Advocacy

In July, he visited France and met President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for marine policies shaped with and by native populations that acknowledge their connection to the ocean.

“Forefathers always navigated the ocean. We lost that for a time,” Tikoure says. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Traditional vessels hold deep cultural significance in New Caledonia. They once symbolised travel, exchange and clan alliances across islands, but those traditions diminished under foreign occupation and missionary influences.

Cultural Reclamation

His journey began in 2016, when the New Caledonia cultural authorities was considering how to bring back traditional canoe-building skills. Tikoure worked with the administration and two years later the boat building initiative – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was born.

“The biggest challenge didn’t involve cutting down trees, it was persuading communities,” he explains.

Project Achievements

The program sought to revive traditional navigation techniques, mentor apprentice constructors and use canoe-making to enhance traditional heritage and inter-island cooperation.

So far, the team has created a display, issued a volume and facilitated the construction or restoration of nearly three dozen boats – from the southern region to the northern shoreline.

Material Advantages

Different from many other island territories where forest clearing has diminished lumber availability, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for crafting substantial vessels.

“There, they often work with marine plywood. In our location, we can still craft from natural timber,” he states. “It makes a crucial distinction.”

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

Educational Expansion

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been educating students in maritime travel and ancestral craft methods at the educational institution.

“It’s the first time these topics are taught at master’s level. It’s not theory – these are experiences I’ve experienced. I’ve sailed vast distances on these canoes. I’ve cried tears of joy during these journeys.”

Island Cooperation

He voyaged with the team of the Fijian vessel, the heritage craft that traveled to Tonga for the oceanic conference in 2024.

“From Hawaii to Rapa Nui, from Fiji to here, this represents a unified effort,” he says. “We’re reclaiming the ocean collectively.”

Governance Efforts

In July, Tikoure travelled to the European location to present a “Traditional understanding of the sea” when he had discussions with Macron and other leaders.

In front of government and international delegates, he pushed for shared maritime governance based on Indigenous traditions and community involvement.

“We must engage them – particularly fishing communities.”

Current Development

Currently, when navigators from various island nations – from Fiji, Micronesia and New Zealand – visit Lifou, they study canoes collectively, modify the design and eventually voyage together.

“We’re not simply replicating the traditional forms, we enable their progression.”

Holistic Approach

According to Tikoure, educating sailors and promoting conservation measures are interrelated.

“It’s all about how we involve people: who is entitled to travel ocean waters, and who determines what happens in these waters? The canoe function as a means to begin that dialogue.”