Cultural Diversity in Geography Curriculum: The Geography of American Indians

This paper discusses the role of geography curriculum in teaching cultural diversity by examining the course content in one course taught at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. The course, The Geography of American Indians in the United States and Canada, included lectures, student projects, outside activities, and an evaluation of learning. Course content is identified and three lectures based on Great Lakes Chippewa geography are summarized. Evaluation of learning indicates students improved geographical skills, increased their knowledge of spatial and ecological characteristics of American Indian culture groups, and became familiar with historical and legal parameters of resources use conflicts between local Great Lakes Chippewa and non-Indians in northern Wisconsin.