Janice Tanton (Iniskimaki) is an interdisciplinary artist, working for over 23 years to create works that resonate widely. An Alumna of Distinction from Durham College, also studying at the University of Windsor BFA (Acting), Janice continued her interest in the arts, working professionally in cross-disciplinary performance and visual arts, culminating in the launch of her own art, publishing and design company in 1989.

She quickly developed a wide network for her art throughout North America, securing major coprorate accounts and licensing opportunities while operating two commercial galleries and a design/fine art studio. Her entrepreneurial success led to an invitation as a delegate to the first Businesswomen's Summit between Canada and the U.S. as well as a nomination for the Rotman Women Entrepreneur of the Year. Janice's work resides in numerous corporate and private collections across the globe.

In 2005, Janice moved with her family to Treaty 7 Territory in Alberta where she accepted a position to serve as Program Manager for Aboriginal Leadership at The Banff Centre. Setting aside a successful art career to devote time to her young family and her new role, she discovered artistic inspiration and support through close relationships with faculty and participants from Aboriginal communities across Canada & Australia. 

She is greatly honoured to have been adopted as the daughter of Elder Tom Crane Bear of the Siksika Nation (Blackfoot), initiated into the pow wow dance circle, is a tipi owner, has been given the Blackfoot name Iniskimaki (Buffalo Stone Woman).

Curious as to how to reconcile the wide spectrum of diversity within her communities and families, Janice began new works. Focussing upon these cross-cultural relationships through painting, film and a melding of performance arts, she launched the Community Fusion Project with the support of a grant award from the Canada Council for the Arts.

Retiring from her role at The Banff Centre at the end fo 2010 to devote her time solely to her arts practice again, she continues her strong relationships with aboriginal communities and leaders across Canada. The focus of her work centres upon artfully discovering the colourful contemporary threads of commonality woven within the remarkable diversity of our species. Janice's work breaks new ground by exploring the intersection of collaborative cross-cultural arts practice to strengthen relationships. 

She is working hard at becoming a Full Time Human Being and writes regularly: http://www.janicetantonblog.com

TEDx Talk: The Language of The Creator: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bPhMDgu8Ek