The Kanosh Band is a sovereign, federally recognized Native Nation with an enduring history, distinct cultural identity, and a perpetual right to self-governance. Anchored to our ancestral homelands in Millard County, Utah, the Kanosh Band operates as a distinct self-governing body while proudly standing as one of the five constituent bands that comprise the federally recognized Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah (PITU).

Our Sovereign Government and Rights

The Kanosh Band’s sovereignty is inherent, pre-dating the United States constitution, and is explicitly recognized under federal law and the PITU Constitution. We maintain a distinct, independent government structure designed to protect our people, manage our resources, and exercise our retained rights:

• The Kanosh Band Council: The Band is governed by its own independent leadership, elected directly by and from the Kanosh Band membership.

• The Band Chairperson: The leader chosen by the Kanosh people serves a dual constitutional role: managing the local affairs of the Band and serving as our direct, voting representative on the overarching PITU Tribal Council.

• Territorial Jurisdiction: Our sovereign authority extends over all reservation lands and lands held in trust by the United States for the Kanosh Band, ensuring our right to protect our natural resources, manage our land, and govern our community.

Our Shared Relationship: The Five Bands, One Tribe

The contemporary legal structure of our nation is a reflection of resilience. Following the devastating impacts of the federal Termination era, the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah Restoration Act of 1980 legally restored federal recognition to our people.

To effectively exercise our collective voice, the five constituent bands—Kanosh, Shivwits, Indian Peaks, Cedar City, and Koosharem—united under a single tribal constitution.

This unique "federated" structure means that while we are politically and culturally unified with our sister bands through the central PITU government, the Kanosh Band has never surrendered its unique identity. Enrollment in the Kanosh Band is explicitly tied to our specific band lineage. We are, and will always remain, uniquely Kanosh.

Today, we honor our shared bond with the other four bands, working collaboratively to advance the health, education, and welfare of all Southern Paiute people, while steadfastly exercising the distinct sovereign rights that belong uniquely to the Kanosh Band.