Brian was a nationally renowned leader and powerful advocate for Indian Country. Brian was the president of the Association of Washington Tribes. He formerly served as the 21st president of the National Congress of American Indians and as chairman of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community for more than 20 years. He served as a member of the Swinomish Senate for 35 years and was Swinomish Senate Chairman for 23 years. He was also former president of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians. 

Brian served on the Department of Health and Human Services Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee. He was a board advisor of the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute, an executive board member of the Washington Gaming Association, and co-speaker of the Coast Salish Gathering, consisting of British Columbia First Nations and Western Washington Tribes.