Brendan Johnson, the U.S. Attorney for South Dakota, has been named the new chair of the Native American Issues Subcommittee at the Department of Justice.

The subcommittee advises Attorney General Eric Holder on public safety and legal issues in Indian Country. It consists of the federal prosecutors who serve large American Indian and Alaska Native populations.

"I am honored that Attorney General Holder has selected me to lead the Native American Issues Subcommittee," said. "The work of NAIS is vital to ensuring that residents of tribal communities can live and raise their families in safe and healthy environments. I am committed to advancing these ideals as the chairman of the NAIS and as South Dakota's U.S. Attorney."

The work of the subcommittee became an issue when the Bush administration fired several U.S. Attorneys who came from states with large Indian populations. Margaret Chiara of Michigan, who was the chair at the time, was among those fired. Tom Heffelfinger of Minnesota, who also served as chair, was targeted for firing but resigned before the mass purge.

Johnson is the son of Sen. Tim Johnson (D-South Dakota). He began serving as the top federal prosecutor in South Dakota last month.