DUCK VALLEY, ID — The Shoshone-Paiute Tribes hosted a traditional blessing ceremony this week at the proposed site of their first-ever resort and casino, located along I-84 between Boise and Mountain Home. More than 100 tribal members, along with officials from the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and neighboring communities, gathered to honor the land and those working to bring the project to life.
“Today, we asked the Creator to bless the land, our proposed project and everyone who is helping make it a reality,” said Shoshone-Paiute Chairman Brian Mason. “We want the Creator to guide us, so we can develop a resource that will provide for our people for generations.”
The site sits on ancestral Shoshone-Paiute land near the border of Ada and Elmore counties, a region historically used by the tribe for hunting and cultural practices. The project would reconnect tribal members with these homelands and is seen as a critical step toward economic independence for the community, which continues to face high unemployment and limited access to essential services on the Duck Valley Indian Reservation.
Reginal Sope, a traditional ceremonial chief, led the blessing alongside tribal drummers, singers, and riders on horseback. The ceremony acknowledged both the historical and future significance of the site.
Plans for the resort and casino include gaming machines, a luxury hotel, spa, entertainment venue, and fine dining. The Shoshone-Paiute Tribes also plan to allocate five percent of net gaming revenues to support local education programs.
As previously announced in April, the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes are partnering with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, which has operated successful gaming facilities in Idaho for more than 30 years. The Coeur d’Alene Tribe is providing upfront investment and will assist with development, permitting, and operations once the facility is built.
Coeur d’Alene Chairman Chief Allan reflected on his own community’s transformation through tribal gaming. “We are excited to help the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes reach this same level of self-reliance,” Allan said.
The project is currently moving through the fee-to-trust process with the U.S. Department of the Interior—a required step to build on off-reservation tribal land. The tribes expect to submit their application later this summer.
Public support for the casino remains strong. Recent survey data shows over 70% of Idahoans support the project, with even greater support—nearly 80%—among those living closest to the proposed location.
According to the tribes, the resort and casino will generate tens of millions of dollars annually for the state economy and create thousands of jobs for both tribal and non-tribal members.
More information is available at ShoPaiResort.com.
The rendering above shows plans for the Shoshone Pauite Tribes’ casino. The planned casino will sit near the border of Ada and Elmore counties in southwest Idaho. (Courtesy of the Shoshone-Pauite Tribes)
