Distinctly Montana Magazine
Issue link: https://digital.distinctlymontana.com/i/1541969
61 w w w . d i s t i n c t l y m o n t a n a . c o m OF A CULTURAL HUB FOR THE SALISH, KOOTENAI AND PEND D'OREILLE TRIBES. Pablo man was reportedly suffering from mental illness and was convinced that fire was the only thing that would silence the demons that tormented him. He set several fires within the complex. The fire was reported at 8:00 p.m. and firefighters re- sponded but were hampered by the lack of a hydrant near the building, and with the doors barricaded and windows blocked, they couldn't get inside to douse the flames. A backhoe was eventually used to smash through a concrete wall. While work- ing their way through the complex they found Draper lying on the floor in the offices at the rear of the building. He was dead. After removing his body, they continued working through the night to extinguish the fire. The building was gutted, and the un- thinkable loss of tribal artifacts, documents, photos and artwork sent shockwaves across the reservation and beyond, for Indians and non-Indians alike. From the smoking ashes of the People's Center, which had opened in 1994, a new cultural center has been created with a new identity and a new name: Three Chiefs. The new name re- flects the inclusion of the Pend d'Oreille tribe, which also has historic roots on the Flathead Reservation. Marie Torosian was the recently appointed program director at the time of that terri- ble fire, and she's leading the ongoing efforts to build the center back, bigger and better. THE FIRE HAD SPARED THE MUSEUM WING AND THE EDUCATIONAL SECTION. AS THEY MOVED THROUGH THE MESS, THEY BEGAN TO FIND REASONS FOR HOPE. Formerly the People's Center, Three Chiefs Cultural Center, Museum & Gift Shop opened in its current location in Pablo, in the former Glacier Bank building. EDNOR THERRIAULT This aerial photo taken after the fire shows the elegant design of the People's Center. The circular entryway and gallery represents a drum, and the wings to either side represent an eagle. PHOTO COURTESY MARIE TOROSIAN