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.
New Writer in Residence and Upcoming Events this March
March brings fresh inspiration and the return of in-person and online gatherings at Historic Joy Kogawa House. Join us for a month of creativity, connection, and celebration of the written word.
Step into action this #GivingTuesday
Preserve the past. Power the stories ahead.
Your donation will go directly towards month-to-month expenses as we sustain existing programs and online resources:
- $50 pays electricity for one month
- $75 pays one week of household cleaning and supplies
- $100 pays one month of high speed internet
- $200 pays one writer to host a literary event or writing workshop
About Poetry Jam
This monthly event takes place every 3rd Thursday, and offers an opportunity for folks to write, edit, rehearse, discuss, and share spoken word poetry. Come as a witness to see the action happening, or sign up at the door to share your work and get feedback.
This series is led by Lindi Nolte, a South African-Canadian spoken word poet, storyteller, TEDx speaker, and educator.
Event available in hybrid format, Zoom link emailed after ticket registration.
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.
Upcoming Events
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
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.