2017-02-24 Fri

The latest stamp in Canada Post’s Black History Month series recalls the earliest-known Canadian of African descent.

Canada, like the United States, celebrates Black History Month each February. The latest stamp issued in the beginning of February is in the honour of Mathieu Da Costa about whom so little is known that there is widespread disagreement even as to his surname.

Born in the late 16th century, Da Costa was known for his prodigious talent as a multilingual interpreter. He was employed by French and Dutch traders and explorers. His connection to Canada came in the year 1608. For next many years, he played a vital role in the History of European Exploration.

The new non-denominated “P” permanent-rate stamp (85¢) honouring Mathieu Da Costa was issued on 1st February 2017. The stamp depicts an impressive portrait of this explorer on the background of a beautiful landscape of an anchored ship, rafts, calm sea and mountains.