Arson Erupts At People's Center in Pablo, Montana; Suspect Dead at the Scene

[Symmachus]

PABLO — Sunday evening’s fire at the People’s Center will once again test the tenacity, desires and resilience of the Séliš, Ksanka and QÍispé people. The building was insured and will be rebuilt.


However, there is no mathematical calculation that can truly assess the metaphysical loss that rose star-ward in the flame and smoke Sunday night and Monday morning. How do you replace any lost artifacts? What is the price of priceless? It's not known at this time.

“The artifacts and other items belong in common to the people. They provide a connection to the past and once they are gone, they can’t be replaced,” said Séliš-Ql̓ispéCulture Committee (SQCC) Director Tony Incashola. “There is a spiritual connection with the actual items made by our Ancestors. They are revealing, they open your mind to what it was like long ago, and what it could be now and what could be in the future. You get a visual idea of what our Ancestors went through, what they did for us though their creations. They are a reminder of our past, they all have a purpose for defining who we are as a people. They identify the gaps we have to fill as we move on through the future. Our mission remains their mission to retain our traditions, culture and language.”

Throughout history there had been many hurdles in the way to retain those traditional foundations, and the People’s Center fire is the latest.


“I am really shocked. I am wondering how something like this could have happened,” said Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Tribal Council Chairwoman Shelly Fyant, who has of an strong connection to the People’s Center.


The alleged arsonist, 33-year-old Julian Michael Draper of Pablo, had entered the building through a broken window and barricaded the entryways which prevented firefighters from easy access to the interior. A backhoe was eventually used to break through the walls to better fight the fire.


Lake County Sheriff Don Bell said the suspect, Draper, died in the fire. His body was found in an office located in the rear of the People’s Center. Draper’s remains were sent to the Montana Crime Lab for an autopsy.

Draper was recently arrested and charged with arson for a fire at the former Plum Creek Mill property in Pablo on Monday, August 24. He was on bond-release.


“I can’t understand why he was able to bond out without having a mental health evaluation,” Chairwoman Fyant wondered, since the provocation for arson is indicative of underlying mental/emotional issues. She said the suspect had been doing volunteer work on the grounds of the People’s Center prior to being charged for the Plum Creek fire but not after."

Quite definitely a tragic occurrence on the Flathead Reservation of Montana. At least much of the building, and many of the artifacts inside, survived. I wish this community the best during this awful time.

Arsonist scorches People's Center

People’s Center will arise from the ashes

www.charkoosta.com

 

[Sevens My Charm]

GOOD NEWS

A quick response to the fatal fire set Sept. 6 at The People’s Center destroyed the gift shop, but the museum’s priceless artifacts of the Salish, Pend d'Oreille and Kootenai people should be salvaged.

A message shared on Facebook the day after the fire states the museum’s most precious items received smoke damage only and would be restored by professionals.

The People's Center turns to recovery in wake of fatal fire

Many of the museum's precious artifacts will be salvaged and restored, managers say.

leaderadvertiser.com

 

[Sejanus]

First suppression system should be on the to get list with rare antiquities on site.

So the firebug will never be a problem again it seems.

 

[Keepalowprofile]

Draper was recently arrested and charged with arson for a fire at the former Plum Creek Mill property in Pablo on Monday, August 24. He was on bond-release.

 

[Future_Milf]

You've gotta be fucking kidding me.........I'm all for rights, but they let a fucking fire starter out on bond?

 

[McDanel]

There are some crimes that should not be offered bond. Several come to mind, such as child rape, arson, or torture of humans and animals. The first protects the child from fear and intimidation, the latter two fall in the dark triad, and all three involve uncontrollable compulsion. They can't control themselves, therefore society has to step in.