On Tuesday, July 8, members of the Jacobs and George families — descendants of John “Navvy Jack” Thomas and Sla-wiya of the Squamish Nation, from both the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations — gathered at the Navvy Jack House for a ceremony to release the spirit of their ancestor, Sla-wiya. Mayor Sager, members of Council, District staff and members of the Navvy Jack Citizens Group were honoured to be invited to attend and bear witness on this significant occasion.
Built around 1873, the Navvy Jack House was occupied until 2017, making it the oldest continuously inhabited home in the Lower Mainland. John “Navvy Jack” Thomas built the home where he and his wife Sla-wiya, granddaughter of Squamish Nation Chief Joe Capilano (Sa7plek), raised their four children.
Navvy Jack House is currently undergoing restoration work and creation of an addition before it opens to the public as a bistro.
Learn more about the history of the Navvy Jack House project or find details related to the development permit.
