Welcome

The childhood home of Canadian author Joy Kogawa stands as a historical reminder of the internment experience of Japanese Canadians during the Second World War, and by extension, to the experiences of diverse cultural and ethnic groups within Canadian society.

A literary landmark, today it goes on to be a unique live/work space and a site of healing and reconciliation, hosting author residencies, literary events, and offering year-round educational tours for school groups and general public.

Historic Joy Kogawa House provides a space to create literary works and connects communities through education and dialogue inspired by the life and work of the writer Joy Kogawa.

Located in the Marpole neighbourhood of South Vancouver, on the north arm of the Fraser River, unceded territories of the Musqueam and other Coast Salish peoples, we respect the diversity of cultures and experiences that form the richness of our provincial fabric.

Take a Virtual Tour of Historic Joy Kogawa House

Join us for a virtual tour of Historic Joy Kogawa House. This interactive experience offers 360-degree views throughout the home. A virtual field trip allows more young learners to experience a local heritage house.

A comprehensive interactive experience that allows users to navigate around the property, explore the artifacts within it, and engage with embedded interactive elements to learn more.

Our activities

Historic Joy Kogawa House Is Offering:

Author Residencies

Historic Joy Kogawa House offers writers a unique place to live and work. Find out more about our self-supporting author residencies and submit your application.

QueerAsian

Workshops for LGBTQI2S+ Asian writers aimed at exploring the complexity of issues arising throughout the pandemic including (but not limited to) isolation, grief and resilience, anti-Asian racism, anti-Black racism, Indigenous rights, colonization, and white supremacy. These workshops offered a brave space for people of Asian descent who identify as LGBTQI2S+ to develop their writing skills while exploring multiple literary genres that hold space for complex feelings, dialogue, and reflection.

Educational Tours

Come and visit a site of national significance. Small group outdoor guided tours for schools, as well as general public will resume in February of 2021.

Teacher Resources

Follow each step of Joy Kogawa’s journey through an interactive map, video interviews, unique photos, animated stories, and workshops. Teacher’s Guide is also available.

Saving the House

Originating in 2003, the story of the grassroots effort to save and preserve what is now Historic Joy Kogawa House can be an inspiration for many others involved in similar causes.

Author Residencies

Historic Joy Kogawa House offers writers a unique place to live and work. Find out more about our self-supporting author residencies and submit your application.

Educational Tours

Come and visit the Kogawa House, a site of national significance. The tours are held year-round for school groups and the general public. (Groups of 3 or less.)

QueerAsian

Workshops for LGBTQI2S+ Asian writers aimed at exploring the complexity of issues arising throughout the pandemic including (but not limited to) isolation, grief and resilience, anti-Asian racism, anti-Black racism, Indigenous rights, colonization, and white supremacy. These workshops offered a brave space for people of Asian descent who identify as LGBTQI2S+ to develop their writing skills while exploring multiple literary genres that hold space for complex feelings, dialogue, and reflection.

Teacher Resources

Follow each step of Joy Kogawa’s journey through an interactive map, video interviews, unique photos, animated stories, and workshops. Teacher’s Guide is also available.

Saving the House

Originating in 2003, the story of the grassroots effort to save and preserve what is now Historic Joy Kogawa House can be an inspiration for many others involved in similar causes.

Educational Tours

Come and visit a site of national significance. The tours are held year-round for school groups and the general public. (Groups of 3 or less due to COVID-19 restrictions.)

Teacher Resources

Follow each step of Joy Kogawa’s journey through an interactive map, video interviews, unique photos, animated stories, and workshops. Teacher’s Guide is also available.

Saving the House

Originating in 2003, the story of the grassroots effort to save and preserve what is now Historic Joy Kogawa House can be an inspiration for many others involved in similar causes.

We acknowledge and are grateful for financial support for our activities and programs from:

Frank H. Hori
Charitable Foundation

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Our Blog

New at Historic Joy Kogawa House:

Magpie Dreams: Seeking and Finding Family through Memoir with Lisa Bird-Wilson

Does a memoir need a theme? Who owns the facts of your story? How does storytelling become a site of resistance? Uncover the power of your narrative through creative non-fiction and the medium of memoir with Lisa Bird-Wilson.

Sunday, February 25: Masterclass in Reading and Performance with Johnny D Trinh

Recognize, appreciate, and develop your distinctive writing voice with Johnny D Trinh. Bring your writing to life with your own voice this Sunday, February 25, 2 – 4:30pm at Kogawa House.

Sunday, January 21: In the Eyes of the Beholder with new WIR Shawne Yukimi MacIntyre

Sunday, January 21: In the Eyes of the Beholder with new WIR Shawne Yukimi MacIntyre
Part art-lecture, part free-writing workshop. Let’s look at historical artworks that feature mixed-race peoples and the messages they deliver.

Show Your Support

Join Our Community:

Donations from the community remain vital for the House. Donations are used to fund: our public events, house tours, author residencies, and the upkeep and preservation of this unique facility of historic and cultural significance.

Show your support by donating or becoming a member today.