A Lac Courte Oreilles tribal member, Schlender previously served as tribal administrator for the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin, vice chairman of the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Governing Board and chairman of GLIFWC’s Voigt Intertribal Task Force.
An all-season treaty rights practitioner, Schlender is familiar with hunting, fishing, and gathering areas across the Ceded Territory. In addition, he is passionate about the preservation of the Ojibwe language, culture, ceremonies, proud owner of the Green Bay Packers, an enthusiastic golfer, and family man. James H Schlender Sr. (Zaagajiwe), Jason’s father, led GLIFWC in the executive administrator position from 1986 until 2005 when he unexpectedly walked on.
“My family is deeply rooted in Ojibwe treaty rights, history, and culture,” Schlender said. “I am honored to continue with my life’s work assisting tribes in practicing treaty rights, understanding our collective past, and protecting the natural resources that sustain us all.”
At University of Minnesota-Duluth, Schlender earned a master’s degree in Tribal Administration and Governance. He is currently pursuing a First Nations Education doctorate degree through University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.