Jim joined GLIFWC in April 2026, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the rights and sovereignty of Ojibwe tribes. Schlender is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, an enrolled member of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band and has taught classes in Federal Indian Law, Tribal Government, and U.S. History at the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University. He also served as the Chief Judge for the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Court and Court Commissioner for Sawyer County, Wis.
Schlender earned his undergraduate degree in Political Science from UW-Madison before going on to graduate with his JD from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 2010. With an extensive background as a tribal attorney for various Ojibwe tribes, Schlender demonstrated dedication to advocating for tribal sovereignty. “Treaty rights and resource management are keys to the survival and success for tribal nations,” he said.
His role as the DIA director focuses on legal challenges facing tribal nations, developing and maintaining relationships with state, federal, and local agencies, and advocating for sustainable management of natural resources for the treaty protected hunting, fishing, and gathering rights of GLIFWC member tribes. Schlender’s dedication to preserving cultural revitalization of Ojibwe sovereignty is vital in protecting against the continual environmental and political challenges facing GLIFWC tribes. Residing on the Lac Courte Oreilles reservation, he is deeply rooted in tribal communities. “I feel the strongest challenge for tribes is to ensure traditional harvest practices are preserved and adapted to the current conditions, while also ensuring that it remains sustainable for the future generations,” he said.