About GLITC

GLITC History and Background

The Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, Inc. (GLITC) is a consortium of federally recognized Indian tribes in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  The organization was chartered in 1965 as a non-profit, non-stock corporation under Wisconsin law, and is recognized as a tax-exempt organization under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.  Originally founded in 1963 as the Wisconsin Tribal Chairman’s Association, GLITC’s purpose was to provide a means by which member tribes could unite against the threat of termination and act as a mechanism for tribes to work through the challenges of governance and services for their communities.

Today, GLITC is recognized as a tribal organization under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Act.  Its mission has evolved to support member tribes in expanding self-determination efforts by providing services and assistance.  GLITC uses a broad range of knowledge and experience to advocate for the improvement and unity of tribal governments, communities and individuals.  The first four decades of GLITC's existence have demonstrated that there is strength in unity.  Presenting a united face on issues of critical importance to all Indian communities has enabled tribes to deal more effectively with state and local governments, academic institutions and other agencies.

GLITC member tribes include:  Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Forest County Potawatomi Community, Ho-Chunk Nation, Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin, Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, Oneida Nation, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin, Sokaogon Chippewa Community, and Stockbridge-Munsee Community.  Organizational goals and objectives are established by our Board of Directors, which is composed of the tribal chairperson or president (or his/her delegate) of each member tribe.  Each board member speaks for the interests of his or her tribe.  The member tribes represent communities of five Indian Nations on 12 reservations, a combined American Indian population of 40,026 (US Census 2010), and a land base of about 500,000 acres spanning 31 counties.

Our Board of Directors meets every other month on a rotating basis at one of the 12 tribal governments’ headquarters in Wisconsin or Michigan.  The day-to-day business, including service coordination, program and financial administration, is conducted from our central office on the Lac du Flambeau reservation.  GLITC was recently reorganized to include a Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, replacing the former structure of Executive Director and three Deputy Directors.  The CEO, CFO and staff members manage approximately 45 programs in the areas of education, epidemiology, family health, nutrition education, aging, disability services, elder services, vocational rehabilitation, and economic development. Staff members are located at the central office and tribal sites.

Service Area

The Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council provides services to Native Americans in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota.