HISTORY & CULTURE

Paiute Ancestors   The Tudinu (or Desert People), ancestors of the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe, occupied the territory encompassing part of the Colorado River, most of Southeastern Nevada and parts of both Southern California and Utah. ​ The landscape of The Paiute's Territory Outsiders who came to the Paiutes' territory often described the land as harsh, arid and barren; however, the Paiutes developed a culture suited to the diverse land and its resources.

 

Paiute Land Becomes Part of The Old Spanish Trail In 1826, trappers and traders began crossing Paiute land, and these crossings became known in 1829 as the Old Spanish Trail (a trade route from New Mexico to California). In 1848, the United States government assumed control over the area.

 

White Settlers and the Railroad Settle in Paiute Land White settlers and a booming railroad town brought an end to the Paiutes' free movement and traditional way of life, making them landless laborers in their own land. ​ Establishment of The Las Vegas Paiute Colony On December 30, 1911, ranch owner Helen J. Stewart deeded 10 acres of her land in downtown Las Vegas to the Paiutes, establishing the Las Vegas Paiute Colony. ​ Paiutes Become a Sovereign Nation The Indian Reorganization Act of June 18, 1934, in conjunction with the Las Vegas Paiute Tribal Constitution, approved on July 22, 1970, recognized the Tribe as a Sovereign nation. ​ Snow Mountain Reservation Through an Act of Congress in 1983, an additional 4,000 acres came into Paiute possession at the Snow Mountain Reservation, eighteen miles Northwest of the original reservation settlement in downtown Las Vegas. The Snow Mountain Reservation would become the site for the future economic development of the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe. ​ Paiute's Cigarette Business The Las Vegas Paiute Tribe developed a thriving cigarette retail business at its downtown Tribal Smoke Shop. This business now ranks as the largest single retailer of cigarettes in the United States and is among the top ten non-gaming businesses in Nevada. ​ Paiute's Golf Resort Business Venture In 1991, plans began to diversify Tribal business into a major golf-centered, destination resort. ​ New Interchange, Gateway to The Las Vegas Paiute Resort An interchange at U.S. 95 and the Snow Mountain Reservation provides access to the Las Vegas Paiute Resort. The interchange, completed in November 1993, is a uniquely designed structure featuring Paiute motifs on the bridge, columns and barrier rails; a set of petroglyphs outlining the Paiutes' history decorate the paved slopes. This interchange is easily the only pictorial interchange in the state. ​ Pete Dye Designed Golf Course Pete Dye, the designer of such courses as Kiawah Island and PGA West, designed and constructed the Nu-Way Kaiv course, which is the first of four championship golf courses planned at the Las Vegas Paiute Resort. The four golf courses will be the only Pete Dye-designed courses in Nevada. ​ Nu-Wav Kaive Course The first golf course, Nu-Wav Kai (Nu-Way a Ky), opened March 1, 1995. The course has a par-72, a 7,159-yard layout and will have a permanent 42,100 square-foot clubhouse.