Welcome to Historic Joy Kogawa House
Historic Joy Kogawa House is the childhood home of Canadian author Joy Kogawa. Joy and her family lived in the house until 1942, when they were sent to an internment camp along with thousands of other Canadians of Japanese descent. Now used as a site for author residencies and literary events, the house 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.
Latest News
Dialogue with Psychologist Dr. Joti Samra
Dr. Joti Samra is in conversation with Victoria Kuttainen on Tuesday, June 18, 7:30 to 9:00pm, exploring the challenges of mental health issues as they affect families, the role of narrative in healing, the ethics of telling, and barriers to identifying and seeking help for mental health issues, in migrant communities.
read more
The Things We Carry: Storytelling Circles
Our storytelling circles this Saturday afternoon will feature three published authors: Joy Kogawa (from Ontario), Victoria Kuttainen (from Australia), and May Q. Wong (from Victoria).
read more
Only One More Day to Vote!
Find out more about our documentary and vote for us before May 31st on TELUS Storyhive!
read more
About the House
Historic Joy Kogawa House is the childhood home of acclaimed Canadian author Joy Kogawa.
Residencies
Historic Joy Kogawa House offers writers a unique place to live and work. Find out more and submit and application here.
Make a Donation
Historic Joy Kogawa House is not-for-profit and donations are vital to maintaining our programs and the house itself.
About Joy Kogawa
Joy Kogawa is best known as the author of Obasan. She has also worked to educate the public about the internment of Japanese Canadians during the Second World War.
Tours
Come and visit a site of national significance. We run tours of Historic Joy Kogawa House year-round for school groups and the general public.
Become a Member
Show your support by becoming a member of the Historic Joy Kogawa House Society.