Olivier Le Jeune (died ) was an Afro-Canadian man noted as the first recorded slave in New France.
Background
Olivier was born in Madagascar.
He is believed to have been approximately seven years of age when he was brought to the French colonial settlement of Quebec in New France by English privateer David Kirke or one of his brothers, Lewis and Thomas Kirke, during their capture of the settlement. He was the first slave recorded in New France.
Around 1638, Olivier was arrested for falsely claiming that Nicolas Marsolet had received letters from the traitor Le Baillif, based on claims from sailors arriving from Tadoussac. Not wishing further trouble after his collaboration with the English, Marsolet took Olivier to court. An investigation took place, and witnesses claimed no one had seen Le Baillif's ship. Olivier was forced to admit he could not substantiate his claims, and was ordered to seek Marsolet's forgiveness and spend a day in chains
See also
- Black Canadian
- Slavery in Canada