Home of: Marie Torosian

Behind the scenes at The People’s Center, Marie Torosian takes care of the history.

The tribally-owned museum has a large depository full of artifacts that have been donated and collected for many years. As the museum’s exhibit coordinator and education director, Torosian works each day to find a way to translate this history into a form that is accessible and interesting to every visitor.

Keeping open the door of communication is key.

“[We need to keep it] open so there can be a better understanding of who we are as tribal people,” Torosian said.

During a tour through the museum, Torosian comes first to an exhibit that explains the history of the Salish, Kootenai and Pend d’Oreille tribes. This leads into an entire room of history’s treasures that all tell a story.

Although Torosian can’t name one favorite, she does have a favorite portion or item in each area. The beautiful bead work on items throughout the area are something she doesn’t want visitors to miss. Nor does she want the tools once used for gathering food to be overlooked.

The large hide teepee at the center of the exhibit now is another can’t-miss item. It’s a piece that shows a little of what life was like before canvas and the homesteaders, she said.

Walking out of the museum into the open entry of the center, Torosian reiterates how important understanding and sharing history is.

“I always like to thank people for being a part of our history,” she said. “And I remind them that it doesn’t stop here.”

That leads her into the center’s education room where people can “not only see our history, but come in here and be a part of it personally.”

The education room hosts hundreds of area students throughout Native American Awareness Days.

Different stations are set up there for stick ball, beading and meat drying demonstrations, among others.

Throughout the year the room is used for bazaars to sell local artists’ work. Starting this  year, the center will host beading classes every Friday through May. All the supplies can be bought at the center’s gift shop.

Torosian is currently working with other center employees to put together an exhibit in the education room that helps tell the tribal perspective for the 2010 Commemoration Celebration kicking off in March.

Exhibit panels will include information and artifacts about the allotment act, the treaty and how life changed as homesteaders bought reservation land.

Torosian has worked for the People’s Center for seven years. She grew up in the Mission Valley, after spending sometime during her childhood in California.

She transitioned to the job at the center after working with the Salish Cultural Committee interviewing elders and working with photos and artifacts there.

She still works closely with both cultural committees.

Sharing her connection with history with so many makes her “just love working” at the center. Torosian said receiving thank you notes from students is icing on the cake.

“It makes me feel good that they learned something,” she said. “I know I’m doing my job when I get those letters.”