Mathieu da Costa facts for kids

Mathieu da Costa was an important Afro-French explorer and translator. He lived in the late 1500s and early 1600s. He traveled from France to the New World with explorers like Pierre Dugua and Samuel de Champlain. Mathieu da Costa is known as the first recorded free Black person to arrive in what is now Canada.

Who Was Mathieu da Costa?

Mathieu da Costa's life is not fully documented. We know he was a free man of at least partial African heritage. Explorers valued him greatly for his amazing language skills. Many people of African and Portuguese heritage worked as sailors or interpreters during this time. They helped connect different cultures.

A Gifted Translator and Explorer

Mathieu da Costa was a true language expert. He could speak many languages. These included Dutch, English, French, and Portuguese. He also understood Mi'kmaq and pidgin Basque. Pidgin Basque was a special language used by many Indigenous peoples for trading. His ability to speak so many languages made him very valuable.

Working with Different European Nations

Translators like Mathieu da Costa were essential for Europeans. They helped explorers communicate with Indigenous peoples. This tradition of using interpreters was already very old when da Costa began his work.

With the Portuguese and Dutch

Mathieu da Costa first worked as a translator for the Portuguese. They believed his skills would be helpful for exploring new lands. Later, both the English and the Dutch wanted his help. They needed him to talk with Indigenous peoples in North America.

In February 1607, Mathieu da Costa was in Amsterdam, Holland. The Dutch had taken Pierre Du Gua de Monts's ships near Tadoussac in a trade disagreement. Mathieu da Costa was also taken during this event. This shows how important his translation skills were. He was a key link between Europeans and the First Nations of Canada.

Joining the French Explorers

French records show da Costa working for the leaders of Port Royal in 1608. He was hired by Pierre Du Gua de Monts for three years. It is believed that da Costa joined Du Gua de Monts and Samuel de Champlain on their trips. They explored areas like Acadia and the St. Lawrence River.

However, in 1609, records show him in Rouen, France. He was also in a jail in Le Havre, France, in December of that year. It is not clear if he visited Canada during that specific year. Du Gua's work in Canada continued until 1617. A legal case about da Costa's support went on until 1619.

Some historians believe da Costa learned to communicate with Indigenous peoples because trading centers in North America were similar to African trading ports. Both places had many people speaking different languages.

Mathieu da Costa's Legacy

Mathieu da Costa's skills helped a lot. He made it easier for early French explorers to understand the First Nations. His work helped bridge the cultural differences between them.

Honoring His Contributions

Canada remembers Mathieu da Costa's important work.

• The Port-Royal National Historic Site in Nova Scotia, Canada, honors him.
• A French graphic novel, Mathieu de Costa, tells his story. Diane Groulx wrote it, and Jocelyne Jatte illustrated it.
• On February 1, 2017, Canada Post issued a postage stamp honoring da Costa. This was part of Black History Month.
• A plaque at the Port Royal Habitation National Historic Site celebrates his contributions. This plaque is part of the Mathieu da Costa African Heritage Trail. This trail marks important African Nova Scotian history in the Annapolis Valley. The plaque was unveiled in July 2005.
• The Mathieu da Costa Challenge was a creative writing and artwork contest. It started in 1996 by the Department of Canadian Heritage. This challenge encourages young people to learn how diversity has shaped Canada's history. It also highlights the important role of different cultures in Canadian society.
• A school in Toronto and two streets, one in Montreal and another in Quebec City, are named after him.

Learn More

• Black Nova Scotians
• Portuguese colonization of the Americas