Originally from Merrill, Wis., Rasmussen majored in Life Sciences Communication & Environmental Studies at UW-Madison and went on to earn a law degree from the University of St. Thomas. Prior to GLIFWC, Rasmussen served as an and as a tax attorney with legal aid and Archbishop John Ireland Justice Fellow with a non-profit immigration clinic where he worked to secure status for immigrants from Burma, Venezuela, Mexico, and Haiti.
Currently, James’ work with GLIFWC’s Division of Intergovernmental Affairs focuses on implementation of off-reservation treaty harvest seasons pursuant to federal court decisions, environmental permit compliance, and indigenous food sovereignty. James has also collaborated with the STRONG Manoomin Collective with the objective of strengthening scientific and environmental governance through tribally-driven research projects.
Outside of work, he is a deer and turkey harvester and loves to garden beside his underground house in Cable, Wis. where he lives with his husband Evan, and corgi named Murphy.