Exploring New Horizons Together
Shivwits Band of Paiutes & Black Desert Resort Partnership
Discover the transformative partnership between Shivwits Band & Black Desert Partnership, aimed at fostering sustainable growth and community development.
Innovative Collaboration
Uniting resources and expertise to drive impactful change.
Community Empowerment
Strengthening local communities through strategic initiatives.
Your Questions Answered
Find answers to the most common inquiries about our partnership.
What agreement has been made between the Shivwits Band of Paiutes and Black Desert?
The Shivwits Band of Paiutes and Black Desert Resort, developed by Reef Capital Partners, have signed a contract entering into a partnership to jointly plan a long-term project on Band land. The agreement allows both parties to explore golf courses, recreational spaces, a sports complex, hospitality offerings, and community-centered amenities that would expand the offerings at Black Desert Resort through a long-term lease and profit sharing with the Band.
How did member feedback influence the partnership?
Member feedback directly shaped both the scope and priorities of the planning approach. In response to concerns and ideas raised through community meetings and the Band-wide survey, the planning area was reduced and culturally-important locations were excluded. Feedback also informed added focus on cultural contributions, education and scholarship opportunities, employment pathways for Band members, and infrastructure considerations to support and enhance the Band’s existing power and water systems. All adjustments were made through the Band’s established governance process and reflect band member input and majority support.
Will this partnership impact sacred or culturally sensitive land or other future band development initiatives?
The planned project land allotment had been previously designated by the Band for economic development projects, long before the current partnership discussions began. The planned footprint does not encroach upon future economic plans intended to support housing and other Band-driven initiatives.
Will this partnership strain local resources or infrastructure?
No. The project scope includes infrastructure expansion plans designed to support additional power and water resources for future band projects. Planning has emphasized resource responsibility from the beginning. Proposed amenities will align with existing water, environmental, and infrastructure standards. Sustainability is a foundational condition of the partnership, not an afterthought.
What are the intended benefits for the Shivwits community?
The partnership creates an opportunity for long-term, multi-generational economic stability, expanded community services, youth recreation access, and employment pathways for Band members. The project will also include funding designated to provide scholarships and increased access to educational opportunities. An allocation will also be dedicated to acquiring additional land and cultural preservation.
The Band Council approved the agreement because it supports the Band’s long-term strategic goals for economic independence, cultural stewardship, and future growth guided by the tribal priorities.
Were members of the band included in the decision-making process?
Yes. Over an 18-month review period, the Band held multiple community meetings, maintained open dialogue with members, and conducted a Band-wide survey outlining the proposed partnership. A clear majority of members supported the plan, and the Band Council voted to move forward based on this input and the tribe’s established governance process.
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.
(See the Process timeline for below for more information)
Will the project interrupt sightlines or the natural beauty of the area? How will the project integrate the surrounding landscape?
No. The natural landscape and visual appearance of the project is very important to the direction of the design. The area offers stunning views and natural beauty and incorporating these elements into the design is a key component of the project. Design concepts will emphasize the use of native vegetation to reflect the character of the land and minimize visual disruption. Existing trees and vegetation will be preserved into the design or relocated within the site.
How will water be sourced for any future recreational or community facilities?
All currently contemplated recreational and sports facilities within this partnership would utilize reuse or non-potable water sources and would rely on water rights held by the Shivwits Band. Those water rights were secured through decades of advocacy and are governed by the Band’s leadership to support long-term stability for its members. The Band’s use of these rights aligns with regional practices in which water rights have supported responsible economic development. Conservation and resource stewardship remain core requirements throughout the planning process.
Our Vision for the Future
Partnership Goals and What Happens Next
With the partnership approved by the Band Council, the Shivwits Band of Paiutes and Black Desert Resort will work collaboratively to advance planning for a world-class destination that reflects the Band’s vision and values. The focus moving forward is on thoughtful design, economic opportunity, and responsible development that benefits both the Band and the surrounding region.
As planning progresses, the partnership is expected to support job creation in both the short and long-term, stimulate local businesses and tourism, and create new opportunities for education, workforce development, and cultural visibility. The project is intended to serve as a long-term investment in the Band’s future while contributing positively to the broader community.
The goal is not growth for growth’s sake, but progress that strengthens the Band’s ability to support current and future generations while maintaining control over how development occurs on our land. Our member feedback directly shaped the planning approach. In response to concerns raised through meetings and survey responses, the planning area was reduced, and adjustments were made to ensure culturally important locations were excluded. In addition, this land had been previously designated by the Band for economic development projects, long before the current partnership discussions began
Shivwits Band of Paiutes Council