Since at least 1100 A.D., the Southern Paiute lived in 15 bands across southeastern Nevada and neighboring states. To survive the desert environment, they drank from springs, hunted wild game and harvested plants.

Two groups of federally recognized Southern Paiute bands live in Nevada: the Moapa Band of Paiutes and the Las Vegas Paiute Band. The Pahrump Band of Paiute also live in the area. The native languages of the Southern Paiutes and Northern Paiutes are different but related.

The Southern Paiutes operate the Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort with three world-class 18-hole courses—each rated 4½ stars by Golf Digest—and a restaurant with views of the Sheep Mountains. In addition, the Moapa Paiute Travel Plaza with its 2,500-square-foot casino and fireworks store greets visitors on their way to Valley of Fire State Park. The Moapa Band of Paiutes also are developing the first large-scale solar project on tribal land, which will provide tribal revenue and jobs.

Snow Mountain Powwow
The Las Vegas Paiute Tribe celebrates American Indian culture with its annual Snow Mountain Powwow. Dancers in colorful traditional dress, artisans and singers from across the United States and Canada gather at this three-day event. The powwow offers a unique shopping experience with jewelry, pottery, flutes, traditional Indian music and baskets available for purchase. Food items include frybread served with honey and Indian tacos. Some of the best dancers in Indian Territory perform at this event. For more information, visit lvpaiutetribe.com/powwow.

Southern Paiute Veterans Powwow
Each November the Moapa Veterans Powwow is held at the Southern Paiute Veterans Memorial Park in Moapa, Nevada. The event honors veterans including those from Southern Nevada, Southern Utah, and Northern Arizona and has grown to become bigger and better each year. The public is welcome and invited to attend and join in honoring our nation’s veterans. For more information, visit moapabandofpaiutes.com.

Lost City Museum
The Lost City was a series of Ancestral Puebloan ruins near Overton, Nevada. The museum was constructed in 1935 to house the artifacts that were excavated before Lake Mead covered them. Visitors can learn about the Ancestral Puebloans and view the artifacts as well as learn about the geological and cultural history of the area. There is an excavated pit-house as well as replica Pueblo dwellings. Special events include American Indian Day in early November with Native dancers, craftspeople and food. For more information, visit lostcitymuseum.org.

Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire is located next to the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and is the oldest Nevada State Park, dedicated in 1935. It covers an area of approximately 35,000 acres and was named for its magnificent red sandstone formations that were formed from great shifting sand dunes during the age of the dinosaurs more than 150 million years ago. The visitor center offers books, souvenirs, and exhibits on Valley of Fire and the surrounding area. For more information, visit valley-of-fire.com.

Nuwuvi or Nuwu (Southern Paiute People) Tour

Guiding Principles:

The branding motto, The Nuwu (or Nuwuvi) Pledge:

1. Native American destination planning and marketing authentic indigenous tourism and sustainable eco-cultural tourism
2. Useful and meaningful opportunities to be stewards of “Mother Earth” and protect the Great Basin biodiversity
3. Wellness and transformative experiences through responsible and inclusive indigenous tourism (healthy land & healthy people)
4. Understanding and awareness of Nuwu cultural while improving quality of life and cultural identity