Portuguese-Canadian History & Portuguese Communities in Canada
Latest Articles
Lusocanada is a research and media platform dedicated to Portuguese-Canadian history, communities, and cultural heritage across Canada.
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From Humble Beginnings to Community Pillar: The Legacy of José Eustáquio – Part 3
A tireless leader, advocate, and champion of Portuguese culture, José Eustáquio has carved out a legacy that has made him a legend within the community. Opinions about him may vary — some praise him, others critique — but his impact is undeniable. Admiration is something he has earned across the board.
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From Humble Beginnings to Community Pillar: The Legacy of José Eustáquio – Part 2
A tireless leader, advocate, and champion of Portuguese culture, José Eustáquio has carved out a legacy that has made him a legend within the community. Opinions about him may vary — some praise him, others critique — but his impact is undeniable. Admiration is something he has earned across the board.
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From Humble Beginnings to Community Pillar: The Legacy of José Eustáquio
A tireless leader, advocate, and champion of Portuguese culture, José Eustáquio has carved out a legacy that has made him a legend within the community. Opinions about him may vary — some praise him, others critique — but his impact is undeniable. Admiration is something he has earned across the board.
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Ontario Recognized June 10 as Portugal Day in 1986
On June 10, 1986, the Proclamation of Portugal National Day was introduced in the Provincial Parliament of Ontario. Tony Ruprecht, then a Minister Without Portfolio for Citizenship and Culture, was the proponent of the historical proclamation. David N. Peterson was Premier of Ontario at the time.
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Pioneers: The Story of Manuel Fontes Maciel and Isilberta Silva
Manuel Fontes Maciel, born on September 1, 1932, in Terra do Pão on the island of Pico, was one of nine siblings. He worked on the family farm from a young age, living a simple yet happy and comfortable life. “There, we had a very good life. We ate well. We went fishing in the…
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First Free African American in Canada May Have Been Portuguese
Mathieu da Costa is known as the first free black person to enter Canada. Many scholars assert that his background is African-Portuguese, although this allegation is yet to be proven. He was born in 1589 in parts unknown and passed away, in Quebec City, in 1619 or shortly after. He was part of the exploring…
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Barrie, a growing community
Although the Portuguese community is significant in Barrie, it no longer has a Portuguese club. The first Portuguese arrived in Barrie in the early 1960s. Since then, the community has grown to significant numbers.
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Associação Democrática de Toronto – When a Defunct Organization Leaves a Permanent Mark
This association, founded in 1957 by people who were previously part of First Portuguese Canadian Club, which in its pioneering years focused mostly on organizing political events, closed its doors in modest fashion but with the typical dignity that it has always maintained throughout its existence.
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Victoria, BC – 70 Years of Portuguese Presence
Official Portuguese immigration to the City of Victoria occurred in 1955 after Manuel Potinho, José Cabrita, José de Souza and António Chorão arrived here from the mainland. A year later, a group of 19 men, all from the archipelago of the Azores but mostly from the island of São Miguel, added to the count.
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Alberta, an Affair of Two Cities
Alberta is home to some of the most splendid scenery in Canada and in the World. Home of the Rockies, pristine lakes, and winding rivers, it is a dream destination for many. It is also the home of over twenty-two thousand residents who consider Portuguese to be their ethnic origin.