A Nova Scotian “Bluenose”, Jane Sproull Thomson grew up by the sea, learning to swim perforce when her dad threw her off the family sailboat. Passionate about art but lacking in talent, she became one of those who teaches rather than does, writing and lecturing on cultural history, archaeology and art history to museum, university and avocational groups. Until recently she was professor of Inuit and native art and culture at the University of Calgary, and is a former curator for the Glenbow, Newfoundland and Red Deer College Museums.

She is a Research Associate and was appointed a Life Member with the Arctic Institute of North America. With husband Callum she operates a consulting business in the field of environmental and heritage conservation, interpretation and planning and has had a key role in planning new heritage and tourism facilities throughout Canada.

After spending too much time on dry land, she adopted a life on the water and has worked as lecturer, zodiac driver and cruise director on ships around the North Atlantic, Arctic, Antarctic and Britain for the past ten years. Her interests include watercolour painting and photography. She loves to sail and kayak near the Thomsons’ home on the Northumberland Strait, Nova Scotia. Wherever in the world they go, she and Callum and their three sons love being near the coast; hiking, biking, skiing, and simply messing around in boats.