Clyde Tyndall has big plans for the Indian Center. The wheels have been in constant motion for Tyndall, 56, since he started working as the center's executive director May 2.

"I've noticed the Indian Center is mainly a human services agency," Tyndall said from his new office. "I'd like to push it into being an economic development entity. I'd like to help Indian people get into the business sector. There's nobody looking at that here."

Tyndall's experience in dealing with state and Native agencies goes back to the two and a half years he was chief of tribal operations for the Omaha Tribe and one year as the assistant tribal business manager for the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska.

He also spent 11 years on the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs, resigning in 2004.

"He has lots of important ties," said Carrie Wolfe, president of the Lincoln Indian Club and an Indian Center board member. "He has a positive outlook on the Indian community and he brings hope and trust into his position."

Tyndall replaces Mona Bearskin, who resigned in November.

The Indian Center has programs for job placement, youth, government food distribution, family support and housing. Tyndall wants to increase those programs to include alcoholism counseling and Native child welfare.

"Visibility is important to me," Tyndall said. "I'm trying to get the Indian Center on the front lines. We're not going to be in the backseat anymore."

Reach Jonnie Taté Finn at 473-7395 or tfinn@journalstar.com.

Celebration

A celebration welcoming Clyde Tyndall's appointment as executive director of the Indian Center will be at 1 p.m. May 22 at the center, 1100 Military Road. Introductions, Gourd dancing and a community forum will be followed by a traditional meal and games.

For more information, call the Indian Center at 438-5231.