The fonds consists of correspondence and writings of R.A. Shiomi and material relating to the activities of, and Shiomi's participation in, the Japanese Canadian Citizens Association. There is also some material on the issue of the internment of Japanese Canadians during World War II.

Fonds consists of material related to Kogawa's writing projects, her participation in literary, cultural, and human rights conferences and events, her involvement in community organizations, and her personal life. Fonds also includes some material accumulated by Kogawa's parents, the Rev. Gordon Goichi and Lois Kogawa. The fonds is arranged generally into series regarding Kogawa's written works; correspondence; documents related to conferences, speeches, organizations, and interviews; teaching materials; personal and legal records; family documents, other people's works; sound recordings; videocassette recordings; publications; subject files; and photographs.