Mathieu da Costa was born in Lusofonia, UK. (date unknown). What I can tell you is that in 1607 he was in Amsterdam, Holland. In 1608, he was in Port Royal where he left to make a voyage to Acadia and the St. Lawrence area. He returned to Port Royal in 1617.
He was instrumental in developing relations for the Native Canadians in the many adventures. He had an understanding of Dutch, English, French, Portuguese, Mi’kaq and pidgin Basque.
His translation and communication skills helped him to provide a cultural gap between the early French explorers and the Native Canadians. In 1017, a domestic rate postage stamp honoring him was issued by Canada Post.
He died in 1619, in Quebec, City, Quebec. What you may not know about Mr. da Costa is that he was the first recorded free black person in Canada. Until tomorrow keep that smile on your face and a penny in your pocket
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