Voyageur at 20: An Instrument of Connection

The Canadian flag is so simple, isn’t it? But under that simple surface lie a million complicated stories about who we are, who we were, and the nation we are constantly becoming.

Our national identity is forever a work in progress. That makes us perfectly suited to a world that is everything, everywhere, all at once—but it’s also where the abstraction of a flag falls short. Identity isn’t just an idea; it’s something you have to touch. You have to put your finger on it.

A Guitar Built of Stories

That’s the idea behind Voyageur, the guitar at the heart of the Six String Nation project. It is an object literally built out of stories—64 pieces of history and heritage representing a diverse array of cultures, communities, and events from every province and territory. From the waters of the Narrows of St. John’s Harbour to the shores of Skidegate Inlet on Haida Gwaii, Voyageur is a testament to our multicultural mosaic.

Since its debut on Parliament Hill on July 1, 2006, Voyageur has:

• Travelled coast to coast to coast, appearing at everything from house concerts to major festivals.

• Inspired over 150,000 official photo portraits of Canadians from all walks of life—astronauts, athletes, poets, and students alike.

• Resonated in the hands of thousands, from local amateurs to some of Canada’s most beloved performers.

The Next Chapter: Voyageur at 20

As we celebrate our 20th anniversary on July 1, 2026, we aren’t just looking back. We are thinking about the conversations to come and the nation still to be defined for the next generation.

We need your help to launch this next phase of the journey. Your support will allow us to:

1. Expand our School Presence: We want to reach more classrooms across Canada, fostering budding talent and inspiring students through the power of our shared history.

2. Build a Living Archive: We are creating an immersive exhibition and an enhanced website accessible to everyone. This digital experience will allow you to explore the Canadian story through the lenses of Nature, History, Community, and Music.

3. Grow the Voice of Canada: We are continuing to add to Voyageur’s story, including recent soft-material additions to its case and strap from figures like René Highway and Toller Cranston.

Your Voice, Our Song

We are asking for your support to keep this conversation alive. When you contribute, you aren't just a donor—you are a co-creator of this evolving story.

We have curated a range of incredible rewards to thank you, including:

• Custom D'Addario Pick Packs featuring the iconic Six String Nation branding

• Premium Red Canoe Anniversary T-shirt

• Personalized Signed Copies of the 164-page Six String Nation book by Jowi Taylor

• Archival Portrait Prints

• Limited edition artwork

• Private showcases

• More to come...

Join us. Help us make sure that as Voyageur rings out from stages across the country, your voice resonates right along with it.

I’m Jowi Taylor.
And this is Voyageur at 20.