A household name across the Prairies, Ray St. Germain will be recognized this week with an Honorary Diploma from Red River College.

An award-winning producer, host and entertainer on more than 600 TV and radio programs — including Big Sky Country, Rhythms of the Métis, and the 1969 variety series Time for Living — St. Germain’s engaging, creative and passionate storytelling style shines a spotlight on the history of Manitoba, while helping to build an understanding and appreciation of Métis culture across Canada.

Currently the host of NCI-FM Radio’s Métis Hour X2, St. Germain will attend this week’s Spring Convocation ceremony to accept an Honorary Diploma from RRC’s Creative Communication program.

“Ray is someone who embodies the values of Red River College and serves as an inspiration to many of the creative young people who are receiving their diplomas alongside him today,” says RRC President Paul Vogt.

“This is the highest honour given by Red River College, and is reserved for individuals who have achieved considerable success in their lives. We have tremendous respect for Ray, who has dedicated his life to sharing the stories of Métis people, and opened the door for others to do the same.”

St. Germain is the 25^th person to receive the award since its inception in 1995, joining such notable Manitobans as Sen. Murray Sinclair, the Hon. Duff Roblin, Chef Takashi Murakami, Gail Asper, Lisa Meeches and Ace Burpee.

“Storytelling has always been a part of who I am,” he says. “There are so many ways to tell stories and I’m proud to have been able to share mine in so many different ways and with so many different audiences. Even more so, I’m happy to have been able to pass these gifts along to my children, and encourage them to speak their truth through song.

“I am extremely honoured to receive an honorary diploma for such a highly regarded program, and from an institution that is making strides in the advancement of Indigenous education.”

For his contributions to Canadian culture, St. Germain has received an array of additional awards and accolades, including the Aboriginal Order of Canada, the Order of Manitoba, and the Order of the Sash – Saskatoon and Prince Albert. He has also been inducted into the Manitoba Aboriginal Music Hall of Fame (2005), and the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame (2010).

St. Germain will be recognized at tonight’s Convocation ceremony, which takes place at 7pm at the Centennial Concert Hall. Those who can’t attend in person are invited to stream the ceremony online.