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.
Epic Family Day Scavenger Hunt
Event Extended:
Help Joy Kogawa find lost objects in a free interactive digital tour of her childhood home. Answer riddles and solve a word search or colour a floorplan for clues to the object location, then bring your completed BC Family Day scavenger hunt for a prize on your next in-person visit!
The scavenger hunt is available until the end of March for families who cannot make it to the scheduled Zoom event or who wish to go through the activity again and share it with friends.
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.
BC Yukon Book Mail: Letters to Joy and Julie
Readers of all ages who love books by Joy Kogawa and Julie Flett are invited to write to Joy and Julie to tell them what you enjoy most about their stories.
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.)
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.
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.