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In October on Lifou island, a traditional twin-hulled vessel was launched into the coastal lagoon – a small act that represented a deeply symbolic moment.

It was the inaugural voyage of a ancestral vessel on Lifou in generations, an occasion that united the island’s primary tribal groups in a uncommon display of togetherness.

Activist and sailor Aile Tikoure was instrumental in the launch. For the last eight years, he has spearheaded a initiative that aims to revive ancestral vessel construction in New Caledonia.

Many heritage vessels have been crafted in an project intended to reunite local Kanak populations with their seafaring legacy. Tikoure says the boats also promote the “opening of discussions” around sea access rights and ecological regulations.

Global Outreach

This past July, he journeyed to France and met President Emmanuel Macron, pushing for maritime regulations created in consultation with and by Indigenous communities that recognise their relationship with the sea.

“Our ancestors always crossed the sea. We forgot that knowledge for a time,” Tikoure states. “Currently we’re rediscovering it again.”

Heritage boats hold deep cultural importance in New Caledonia. They once represented movement, interaction and tribal partnerships across islands, but those traditions declined under foreign occupation and missionary influences.

Tradition Revival

This mission started in 2016, when the New Caledonia heritage ministry was looking at how to reintroduce ancestral boat-making techniques. Tikoure partnered with the authorities and following a two-year period the vessel restoration program – known as the Kenu Waan initiative – was launched.

“The biggest challenge was not cutting down trees, it was persuading communities,” he explains.

Initiative Accomplishments

The initiative worked to bring back ancestral sailing methods, train young builders and use canoe-making to enhance traditional heritage and regional collaboration.

So far, the group has produced an exhibition, released a publication and enabled the building or renovation of approximately thirty vessels – from the far south to the northeastern coast.

Natural Resources

Different from many other oceanic nations where deforestation has diminished wood resources, New Caledonia still has proper lumber for constructing major boats.

“There, they often work with modern composites. In our location, we can still carve solid logs,” he states. “It makes a crucial distinction.”

The canoes constructed under the program merge Polynesian hull design with local sailing systems.

Academic Integration

Beginning this year, Tikoure has also been teaching maritime travel and traditional construction history at the educational institution.

“For the first time ever these topics are included at master’s level. It goes beyond textbooks – these are experiences I’ve experienced. I’ve crossed oceans on these canoes. I’ve cried tears of joy while accomplishing this.”

Regional Collaboration

He traveled with the team of the Fijian vessel, the Pacific vessel that journeyed to Tonga for the regional gathering in 2024.

“Throughout the region, through various islands, it’s the same movement,” he says. “We’re reclaiming the sea together.”

Political Engagement

During the summer, Tikoure journeyed to the French city to present a “Indigenous perspective of the marine environment” when he had discussions with Macron and other leaders.

Addressing official and overseas representatives, he argued for shared maritime governance based on local practices and participation.

“We must engage these communities – most importantly fishing communities.”

Modern Adaptation

Currently, when navigators from across the Pacific – from the Fijian islands, the Micronesian region and Aotearoa – visit Lifou, they examine vessels collectively, modify the design and ultimately sail side by side.

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

Holistic Approach

In his view, instructing mariners and advocating environmental policy are linked.

“The core concept concerns public engagement: what permissions exist to navigate marine territories, and what authority governs which activities take place there? The canoe serve as a method to begin that dialogue.”