Newland to serve as principal deputy assistant secretary for the Bureau of Indian Affairs

WASHINGTON — The Department of the Interior recently announced additional members of the agency leadership team working to steward America's natural, cultural and historic resources, and honor the nation-to-nation relationship with Tribes.

 “As we work to advance President Biden’s vision for a clean energy future that creates good-paying jobs, protects the environment, and powers our nation, we are thrilled to welcome our newest teammates. The diverse experiences of our staff will help us address the four intersecting challenges that the president has made a priority for his administration: COVID-19, economic recovery, racial equity and climate change — all of which disproportionately impact Tribal communities with whom we have a critical trust responsibility,” said Jennifer Van der Heide, Chief of Staff.

Michigan State University Law School alumnus Bryan Newland will serve as principal deputy assistant secretary for the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Newland is a citizen of the Bay Mills Indian Community (Ojibwe), where he recently completed his tenure as Tribal President.

Prior to that, he served as Chief Judge of the Bay Mills Tribal Court. From 2009 to 2012, he served as a Counselor and Policy Advisor to the Assistant Secretary of the Interior – Indian Affairs.

Newland is a graduate of James Madison College at MSU , and is a magna cum laude graduate of MSU College of Law.

He is an attorney with Lansing-based Fletcher Law--a national firm focused on Indian law—was a trustee on the MSU Law School Board of Trustees, and has served as an adjunct professor of law at MSU Law.
Newland enjoys hiking and kayaking the shores of Lake Superior, coaching youth sports, and is a nature photography enthusiast.