PABLO — With the smell of fry bread and the sound of laughter, it was easy to get immersed in the culture as students from all over the Mission Valley gathered at the People’s Center in Pablo to participate in Native American Awareness Week. 

The weeklong event is hosted by the center to introduce students to the cultures of the Salish, Kootenai and Pend d’Orielle through crafts, history, demonstrations and exhibits.

“We have the same agenda every year but somehow things always turn  out differently,” said Center Education Director Marie Torosian. Torosian has organized the event since 2003 but Native Awareness Week has been a part of the community since 1993.  

Along with the local schools, the event also brings members of the community together, “we have volunteers from Kicking Horse Job Corp. and students from the Two Eagle River School,” Torosian said.

Torosian gave students tours through the Center’s Museum and provided a history of the Salish-Kootenai and Pend d’Orielle people. “It is important to educate students on the local Native culture,” Torosian said. “A lot of students (both tribal and non-tribal) do not get exposed to it, and that is one of the main purposes of the event. It helps them to better understand who we are as Indian people.”

The center offers activities year round for those unable to attend during Native Week. “We want to encourage people to come and learn about local history and culture,“ Torosian said.

The students enjoyed bead and hide tanning demonstrations, as well as a bite of fry bread and dried meat. Students also participated in Native games, including stick-ball and ring-toss.

The event wrapped up Friday evening with a powwow celebration at the center grounds in Ronan. The powow included dancers, drumming and local vendors.