SAINT IGNATIUS — The People’s Center in Pablo is moving to a new location in Saint Ignatius after its building was severely damaged by a summer arson fire.
Center Director Marie Torosian says the center, its gallery, educational center and gift shop has leased the old restaurant building at the Allard business complex right along US Highway 93 North in the Mission Valley.
The People’s Center is a hub of tribal culture and history and a source of pride for the area’s three tribes.
Torosian told MTN News that since the fire damage so severe a new location was needed. She explained that the new space brings new opportunities to re-brand and reconnect.
“We just all decided collectively that it’s time to move forward. It’s time to start a new path and it’s time to start some new beginnings,” Torosian said.
“Not to forget out old building or not to forget anything that the People’s Center has stood for since its inception, but to use that in our gallery to tell our story,” she continued. “To find a new name and a new image for our culture center.”
While they work on the renaming and rebranding, they’re also preparing the gallery and restoration area along with the gift shop.
They’re hoping for a soft opening early next month with a grand opening later. One staff member told us, it’s nice to have a home again.
