Much like the beating of a heart, the People’s Center lies at the core of the Flathead Indian Reservation, pumping life into the culture of the Salish, Pend d’Oreille and Kootenai nations.

“Xalt Sxlxalt,” or “good day,” greets visitors at the door, an invite that arouses curiosity about the stories and lives of people who have managed to maintain a culture that might have been easily washed away by the currents of time.

Established in 1991, the People’s Center brings alive the traditions and ways of natives, dispelling myths and stereotypes that have often plagued the reservation. In 1994, through grants and tribal funding, a new building was created with an architectural design that visually represents efforts to show visitors that the tribes are persisting, indeed even flourishing in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world. Designed much like a tribal lodge, the Center houses educational experiences, inviting visitors to explore the heartbeat of life thriving in the modern museum.

“The People’s Center promotes pride and respect for all life,” announces the website, while the vision statement seeks to “bring people together, promote a healthy way of life and create a vision for life.” Such concepts reflect upon lessons much needed for any culture, offering opportunities to exchange knowledge.

Compelling displays and artifacts draw even casual visitors into the history and heritage of a people whose cosmological roots toss tendrils back as far as Pleistocene glacial recession. Using the modern media of CD’s to accompany tours, tribal voices reach out, telling stories through an oral tradition, just as these people have always done. The soundtrack throbs with drumming and song, which is no different or more unusual than beats heard in modern music.

The exotic art of beading adorns the historic attire displayed, fashions that could easily be imagined amid the glamour of style walking the streets of today’s world. The museum’s educational outreach programs seem to be doing just that – bridging past and present. From pow-wow to beading classes, camas bakes to art shows, the People’s Center is successfully integrating the art and ritual found in Salishian culture.

Visitors may find that the occupation of tribal lands by European settlers, as well as the subjugation to politics leading to the Hellgate Treaty that established the reservation in1855, are similar to stories often repeated in other cultures. From the clearances of Scottish lands, to the persecution of Jews, to the domination of Tibetans, The People’s Center offers distinct wisdom to the children of all cultures.

“Encounter the past. Ensure the future.”

The People's Center is offering Cultural Education Classes that are open to the public.

Wednesdays - Open beading classes. Come and learn the different styles and techniques of beading from tribal artists. Bring the supplies for the project you wish to learn about. Class time 1PM to 4PM

Special classes can be scheduled also by calling the center at 406.675.0160 or email: mariet@cskt.org

Special events in 2009:
Annual Camas Dig and Traditional Bake in August 4-6, 2009
Annual Artist Market - July 10 -11, 2009
Social Pow-Wow August 22, 2009 from 5pm to 9pm
May 17, 2009 Whisper Camel, Tribal Wildlife Biologist for The Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes will be at The People’s Center from 1pm to 3pm to present “Wildlife Crossing Structures” and how they are working. All are welcome to attend and there is no charge. For more information please call The People’s Center at 675-0160

Winter hours(Oct. 1-May 31): M-F 9am to 5pm. Seasonal hours(June 1- Sept. 30): M-Sat 9am to 5pm

The Peoples Center is located one mile north of Pablo on U.S. Highway 93.