Exploring the Synergy of Tradition and Innovation
Discover the transformative partnership between the Shivwits Band of Paiutes and Black Desert Resorts, fostering sustainable growth and cultural preservation.
The Legacy of the Shivwits Band of Paiutes
The Shivwits Band of Paiutes a proud member of the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, has a rich history rooted in resilience and cultural preservation. For generations, the tribe has thrived by maintaining its traditions and fostering a deep connection to the land. The tribe’s mission is to uphold its cultural heritage while seeking opportunities for sustainable development that benefit future generations.
Process Timeline
Shivwits Band of Paiutes – Partnership Evaluation & Community Engagement Timeline
(Dates and details reflect the Band’s process and are summarized for public clarity.)
2001
The Shivwits Band of Paiutes secured and affirmed its sovereign water rights through established legal and governance processes. This milestone ensured the Tribe’s authority to manage its water resources in alignment with long-term community needs, sustainability priorities, and future economic planning.
2014
The Shivwits Band Council formally designated specific land for future economic development opportunities. This decision established the foundation for evaluating long-term uses of the land consistent with the Band’s strategic priorities, governance process, and commitment to community benefit.
2020
Band Economic Development Exploration Phase
The Band explored hospitality and other economic development opportunities as potential long-term uses for land previously designated for development. This exploration focused on identifying industries and uses that could create sustainable economic benefit for the Band, building on existing community assets and programs already in place.
May 2021
Initial outreach and early conversations regarding potential economic development opportunities on Band-designated land, including workforce housing and other concepts. These discussions focused on identifying mutually beneficial partnership models that could support long-term economic opportunity for the Band. Early concepts were placed on hold while Black Desert development progressed.
2024
Reengagement & Feasibility Review
Following prior exploration and internal evaluation, the Band elected to reengage discussions with Black Desert as a potential partner. A site visit of the designated land was conducted to better understand feasibility related to potential golf, hospitality, and community amenities.
2024
Initial Band Council Evaluation Period
The Band Council undertook an initial evaluation period to assess feasibility, structure, and alignment with the Band’s long-term priorities, and to determine whether further exploration was warranted.
Summer 2024–2025
Public Information & Community Engagement
As part of its evaluation process, the Band engaged members through multiple communication channels, including information shared via the Band’s website, town halls, community meetings, and written materials. Over the course of this period, Band members received more than 20 written communications, including emails, meeting notices, briefing materials, survey information, and follow-up updates to support transparency and informed participation.
April –August 2025
Adjustments Based on Member & Council Feedback
Based on input gathered through meetings, surveys, and direct dialogue, planning concepts were refined. Adjustments included changes to scope, planning areas, and priorities to reflect member concerns and recommendations.
The prior Band Council chose not to take final action during the transition period, allowing the incoming Band Council time to review the materials, conduct its own research, and make an informed decision consistent with the Band’s governance process.
July 2025
Member Input & Survey
A member-wide economic development survey was conducted to formally gather input. Survey participation reflected strong engagement, and results were reviewed as part of the Band Council’s decision-making process. The survey results showed band members majority support for the project.
September 2025
Following completion of its review process and consideration of community input, the Shivwits Band Council voted to move forward with the partnership in accordance with the Band’s established governance process.
Review our Frequently Asked Questions
About the Band’s Processes
Governance and Decision Making
The Shivwits Band of Paiutes is a federally recognized sovereign Tribal Nation with its own governing body and decision-making processes. The Band Council, elected by Band members, is responsible for reviewing opportunities, gathering input from the community, and making decisions on behalf of the Tribe. Over an extended review period, the Band went above and beyond its established process for evaluating this unique partnership due to the significance of the project, including meetings with members, open discussion, and a Band-wide survey that demonstrated strong majority support for moving forward. That support reflected member interest in long-term economic opportunity, job creation, increased revenue to support Tribal government services, and greater self-sufficiency for the Band.
As with any major community decision, a range of perspectives were expressed throughout the process. Feedback from members was reviewed, discussed, and incorporated where appropriate, and adjustments were made in response to community input. After considering all viewpoints, the Band Council voted to move forward based on the Tribe’s long-term priorities, including sustaining Tribal programs, expanding education and career opportunities, and strengthening the Band’s ability to provide services such as healthcare, consistent with its established governance process and its role as the elected representatives of the Band.
About the Band’s Processes
Cultural Stewardship
Protection of cultural heritage guides the Shivwits Band of Paiutes approach to land use. During the evaluation of this partnership, culturally sensitive areas were identified early, and those locations were removed from the planning area. In addition, the project creates an opportunity for the Band to acquire and preserve additional land specifically for cultural preservation in support of the Band’s long-term goals. The Band’s leadership continues to prioritize preservation, ensuring that any future amenities coexist with cultural stewardship. This partnership reflects the Band’s effort to balance heritage protection with opportunities that support community stability and future generations.
About the Band’s Processes
Water Rights and Sustainability
The Shivwits Band of Paiutes holds long-established water rights secured through federal settlement and decades of advocacy. These rights belong to the Band and allow the Tribe to determine how its water resources support long-term community goals. In accordance with the Bands’ rights as a sovereign nation it is their right to determine how their water is used for community initiatives. Here, the water will be used to support a project that will provide a revenue stream for the government for decades, jobs for the Band members, and generate other economic development opportunities for the benefit of the band and the local community. Under this partnership, any proposed recreational or sports facilities will rely on reuse or non-potable water, not culinary water.