IVINS, Utah — The Shivwits Band of Paiutes announced today that it has entered a business partnership with Black Desert Resort, developed by Reef Capital. 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.
“This collaboration supports our goal of creating long-term ventures and is built on mutual respect and a shared vision,” said Tina Gonzales, Chairwoman, 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.”
“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 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 project is expected to greatly 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 will provide annual funding for educational and technical scholarships to support Band members’ education and career advancement.
About Shivwits Band of Paiutes
The Shivwits Band of Paiutes has been sovereign since time immemorial. Today, the Band is headquartered on its Reservation northwest of St. George, Utah. Although the Shivwits Band was formally recognized by the U.S. government in 1940 under the Indian Reorganization Act, that recognition was unjustly taken 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 took a major step toward justice by passing the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah Restoration Act, which restored the Shivwits Band’s federal recognition and reaffirmed its inherent sovereignty. The Restoration Act also made the Band once again eligible for federal programs and services. However, true restoration involves more than legislation. Over the years, the Shivwits Band has worked tirelessly to rebuild its governance, assert its rights, and strengthen its community. Today, the Shivwits Band strengthens its people through effective governance, cultural preservation, and strategic economic development, ensuring a strong future for the next generation.
About Black Desert Resort
Set amidst the vermillion sandstone cliffs and striking black lava beds of Greater Zion, Black Desert Resort, developed by Reef Capital Partners, is a premier destination for luxury hospitality, golf, and Southern Utah adventure. Black Desert Resort 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, state-of-the-art pickleball courts, a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, and 45,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting and event space. Future phases will include a water park, more rooms and suites, and many more dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Spanning over 600 acres of scenic landscape, Black Desert Resort offers easy access to 200+ acres of preserved land and six miles of hiking trails.
Reef Capital Partners is a vertically integrated real estate investment, development, and operations firm dedicated to enhancing communities through transformative and impactful projects across North America. With a portfolio that includes marquee destinations like Black Desert Resort, Marcella Club, Cornerstone Golf Club, Coco Palms, Cutalong at Tributer, and Sweetens Cove, Reef combines visionary design with investment expertise to create experiences that endure for generations. Learn more at www.reefcp.com.