Honorary Member of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: May 25, 2009
• Invested on: April 07, 2010

Zachary Richard is one of the most important artists in the North American francophonie. With his music that reflects his Cajun roots, and his moving and spirited lyrics, he has played a key role in strengthening the ties between Cajuns and Acadians by evoking the memory and collective identity they share. He was one of the first musicians to integrate traditional Cajun music into a contemporary musical format. He has recorded albums in English and French, including Cap EnragÚ, which has become a classic. This ardent defender and promoter of the French language has also increased people's understanding of Cajun and Acadian history and identity, notably through documentaries and the "Cours Batailleurs" television series, which he hosted. Committed to preserving the natural environment in Louisiana and New Brunswick, he also generously supports and gives his time to a number of other causes.