AFRICAN SETTLERS  Throughout the 16th century, there are few references to people of  African descent living or working in Atlantic Canada. In part, this  is due to the nature of historical documents. Most documents are  compiled by and for the wealthier and more literate sections of  society. Few dwell on the fate of the poor and disadvantaged.  Many early censuses do not even mention slaves, who were  considered property. Until recently, there has been little or no acknowledgement of the way in which Africans have helped shape the history of our region. Despite their invisibility in the documents, people of African descent were highly visible in all walks of life. Both free and enslaved, they worked as ships’ crew, artisans, farmers, and fishermen. In the first century after contact, Atlantic Canada was a true international zone, filled with trading ships from many different countries. The Portuguese explorer Gaspar Corte Real arrived in the area in 1501, and was followed soon after by Portuguese fishermen. As the earliest Europeans to visit Africa, the Portuguese used African crews (both free and enslaved) on their ships. Portuguese vessels sailing to Atlantic Canada would likely have had crew members of African descent. Click here for Kenneth Donovan's article concerning slavery in Isle Royale Click here to view some fascinating facts and link to more information This project has been supported by the Canadian Studies Program, Canadian Heritage. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the Government of Canada.