Shivwits tribe forms business partnership with Black Desert Resort

The Ivins-based Shivwits Band of Paiutes has entered a business partnership with the new Black Desert Resort, which abuts its traditional tribal lands. 

“This joint venture will deliver a transformative economic and cultural boost to the community, featuring additional golf amenities, a dedicated youth sports complex, a new hotel, meeting and event spaces, and a vibrant mix of retail and dining options,” the tribe said in a release. 

“This collaboration supports our goal of creating long-term ventures and is built on mutual respect and a shared vision,” said Tina Gonzales, chairwoman of the Shivwits Band of Paiutes. “We are excited to be a co-steward in this project, ensuring that our heritage and values are woven into every aspect of the development. This partnership will not only bring significant economic growth but will also ensure the preservation of our legacy for generations to come.”

The project is expected to benefit the local economy by increasing tourism and boosting spending at local businesses, as the development is projected to generate over 135 new jobs for members of the Shivwits Band across key sectors including construction, hospitality, golf and sports operations. These positions will offer competitive wages, benefits and training, along with paid oversight roles during the initial development phases. In addition to job creation, Reef Capital, the investment company backing Black Desert, will provide annual funding for educational and technical scholarships to support band members’ education and career advancement.

“Our partnership with the Shivwits Band of Paiutes is the foundation for a remarkable and sustainable resort destination,” said Patrick Manning, managing director of Black Desert Resort. “We are committed to preserving and celebrating their rich heritage, and this entire project stands as a model of responsible development. We’re not just building amenities, we’re building a shared future that provides lasting economic and cultural benefits to the entire community.”

“This partnership reflects the Shivwits Band’s commitment to responsible stewardship of its lands and water, ensuring the development is guided by sustainable practices,” the Shivwits statement said. “The development process will be jointly managed by the Shivwits Band of Paiutes and Black Desert Resort, ensuring responsible resource management. The golf courses and sports fields will rely solely on non-potable or reuse water sourced exclusively from the Shivwits Band’s existing water rights.”

The Shivwits Band of Paiutes is headquartered on its reservation northwest of St. George. Although the Shivwits Band was formally recognized by the U.S. government in 1940 under the Indian Reorganization Act, that recognition was removed in 1954 when Congress terminated the Tribe’s federal status, cutting off vital services and the federal trust responsibility owed to the Band. In 1980, Congress passed the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah Restoration Act, which restored the Shivwits Band’s federal recognition and reaffirmed its sovereignty.

Black Desert Resort, under development by Reef Capital Partners, is a destination for luxury hospitality, golf and other Southern Utah recreational activities. It is anchored by a Tom Weiskopf-designed championship golf course and hosts annual events on the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour. The Resort Center includes 447 rooms and suites, seven dining venues, a 15,000-square-foot spa, pickleball courts, a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, and 45,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space.