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Who:
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The first namable person of African descent to come to Canada. An
interpreter, hired by Sur de Mons in Paris at the start of the expedition
that would give Canada its first permanent European settlement. He was
among others of African descent, including one Black man who died aboard
de Mon and Champlain’s ship of a stomach aliment. This man was buried
at sea just off the coast of Nova Scotia.
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What:
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Circumstantial evidence speculates that Da Costa helped interpret between
the French settlers and the native aboriginals in Nova Scotia and along
the Saint Lawrence. There is documented evidence that he made “voyages”
to Canada. Exactly where, however, is unknown. More research needs to
be done and this is one of Da Costa 400's projects –- a Historical
Research Initiative on Mathieu Da Costa.
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Where:
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Travelled to Nova Scotia or on the Saint Lawrence. Da Costa is recently
reported to have been born in Azores and hired in Paris.
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When:
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Sometime between 1605 –1608, according to Da Costa’s trial at the Hague
from 1608 to 1619.
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Why:
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Da Costa is significant because he is the start of Black Canadian
culture and heritage. Canada has always been a multicultural country.
X marks the spot.
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400 years ago, there were at least two, perhaps several, people of African descent in Canada
between 1605 and 1668. However, Mathieu Da Costa, between 1605 and 1608, and La Liberte, who
farmed in Nova Scotia in the 1660s, are the earliest Black settlers we can name.
"Ghost of DaCosta" Movie (14Mb .mov file -
Better
to download and play. Right-click and Save as...)
Get  Here
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