Doctor of Letters
(honoris causa) DLitt
William Prince, Singer-Songwriter, Storyteller, Humanitarian. William Prince’s music is a masterclass in graceful storytelling. Rooted in gratitude and humility, his songs carry a quiet power, offering reflections on his own moments of self-discovery and the larger questions we face together, ones that resonate across cultures and generations. With each performance, Prince invites listeners into a space of shared meaning, where the personal becomes universal.
Born and raised in Peguis First Nation, Prince has steadily built a catalogue of acclaimed albums, (most recently Stand in the Joy,) that trace his own journey, while offering solace and strength to others. His music has taken him from Manitoba to the Grand Ole Opry, and from national television to collaborations with artists such as Serena Ryder, The Tragically Hip, and Neil Young. Along the way, he has earned multiple JUNO Awards, the Allan Slaight Music Impact Honour, and the John Prine Songwriting Fellowship.
Prince’s influence extends beyond the stage. Time and again, he has used his platform to uplift others, including hosting A Day to Listen, through his tribute to Terry Fox, and in his contributions to national conversations on Truth and Reconciliation. Whether through a Tiny Desk concert or a heartfelt lyric, he shares his truth in ways that help others find their own.
As he continues to tour internationally and prepare new music, Prince remains grounded in his purpose: to write songs that matter and to walk with kindness. His voice has become one of the most beloved in Canadian music.