Biographical Note: James L. Carter was the director of Research and Development at Northern Michigan University (NMU) until his retirement in the 1990s. He was also instrumental in the establishment of the Indian Studies Program at NMU. The Program eventually became the Center for Native American Studies (CNAS). He was also responsible for the creation of the first Native American newspaper in the Upper Great Lakes Region, the Nishnawbe News (1971-1983).

Summary: This interview focuses on the creation and early development of the American Indian Program at Northern Michigan University. Carter summarizes his efforts to create support for the program within the NMU administration and Upper Peninsula Indian tribes. The creation and management of the Nishnawbe News is a particularly important subject of the interview.