The Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission is made up of 11 member tribes and our staff; collectively we are the Commission. Together, we advocate with respect for history, and act on behalf of present and future generations for treaty rights, off-reservation harvest, people, and all living beings.
GLIFWC's mission is to assist its member tribes in the implementation of off-reservation treaty rights in the Ceded Territories in a way that is biologically sound and culturally informed. GLIFWC strives to preserve and enhance natural resources so that harvest opportunities will be available for generations to come, and to pass on Ojibwe culture and traditions.
Each division's work dovetails across the agency to support the needs initiatives of our member tribes. GLIFWC’s main office is located on the Bad River reservation, just east of Ashland, Wisconsin. A satellite office is also maintained in Madison, and enforcement personnel are stationed throughout the ceded territory. GLIFWC's work is divided across the Administration, Biological, Enforcement, Intergovernmental Affairs, Development and Planning, and Public Information Divisions.
GLIFWC maintains about 80 full time staff, adding temporary personnel based on the season’s demands, such as during the spring spearing and netting season.
GLIFWC's Division of Administration supports the day-to-day operations of all divisions and programs for the Commission. The division is comprised of the following areas: Executive Direction, Accounting, Information & Technology, and Human Resources.
The Biological Services Division is organized into four sections; staff approach the work by first respecting Anishinaabe teachings and integrating traditional knowledge into scientific and ecological frameworks. Staff work with member tribes to conduct research and make culturally sound recommendations to state and federal bodies.
Stationed across Ceded Territory, our conservation wardens are here to help tribal members and partner organizations learn more about off-reservation harvest practices, rules, and regulations.
As the legal arm of GLIFWC, the Division of Intergovernmental Affairs (DIA) policy analysts help to ensure that federal court orders and agreements governing treating rights are appropriately implemented, work with member tribes to ensure intertribal coordination, and interact with state and federal agencies to ensure that their decisions protect treaty rights and resources.
Both Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and Scientific Ecological Knowledge (SEK) play a critical role in GLIFWC's work protecting culturally important plant and animal beings in the Ceded Territories.
State, Regional, and National Policy Implementation
The Planning & Development Division (P&D) coordinates student internships, increases cultural enrichment with strategic programming, and features language initiatives, grant facilitation, traditional foods education, outreach, and training.
The Public Information Office widely shares the full breadth of GLIFWC's unique work through print, in-person, electronic, and video mediums. From primary reporting in the award-winning quarterly paper Mazina'igan to short films, PIO's reach extends to all ages with resources that feature science, history, and Ojibwe language and culture.
Make a Tax-Deductible Donation
GLIFWC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible and will directly support our mission. Thank you for making a difference!