We Were Younger Once

Fragments of a prairie childhood

Kiona — or Kiwi, as her family calls her—grew up living with her moshom (grandpa) and a revolving door of relatives on scrip land. Affectionately called “the farm”, Kiwi shares a small portion of her home—a spot where she played with her cousins, daydreamed about her future, listened to her family’s stories across generations, and learned about the complexities of heartbreak.

In We Were Younger Once, artist Kiona Callihoo Ligtvoet follows a non-linear series of mini memories of growing up as a dirt kid on the prairies, the wistfulness of leaving home, and the visits that will always bring her back.

About the Author

Kiona Callihoo Ligtvoet (she/her) is a multidisciplinary artist practicing in amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton) on Treaty 6 Territory. Kiona grew up West of the city near the hamlet of Calahoo where she lived with her moshom and relatives on scrip land. Her family lines are Cree and Métis descending from Michel First Nation, as well as Dutch/ mixed European.

Kiona’s work draws from feelings of loss and enfranchisement, but also from deep belly laughter and a gentle fondness for where the histories between herself and her family overlap and disperse. We Were Younger Once is her first book.

Publication Details

ISBN: 9781772620757
90 pages, 4.25 x 6.25 inches
b&w, trade paper
Oct 2022