Richard, Zachary

Environmental and cultural activist, poet, singer-songwriter and filmmaker Zachary Richard is a native of Louisiana, a descendant of the Acadian deportation. Living in both the U.S. and Canada, he has recorded music in French and English, and his work has reinvigorated Cajun musical traditions. He has also published three volumes of poetry, receiving the prestigious Prix Champlain in 1998.  His documentaries have chronicled the lives of the Acadian people. Zachary Richard is co-founder of Action Cadienne, which promotes the French language in Louisiana, and Gulf Aid Acadiana, which assists in the restoration of areas affected by the Deepwater Horizon catastrophe.