The awareness and involvement of landowners has been crucial to Pangea’s mission. During a meeting with these indigenous people and Pangea executives, an elder was compelled to stand and share a story; “My mother once received a check for .85 cents for her ownership of this land and that was forty years ago. We have never seen another penny since. I want our land to be used for something that can benefit my children and my grandchildren.” Her statement was echoed by another silver-haired gentleman who rose and shared that his grandmother was the last one in their family to receive a similar amount: “If we don’t organize and do something, this land will continue to sit there for generations more.”

With the direct oversight of a Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) tribal member in the executive team, stories like these were not surprising to hear. In fact, they were the catalyst in the formation of Pangea and its commitment of many years, substantial investments, and the development of a process to bring together and facilitate communication amongst “allottees”- those who own ten-acre parcels (or allotments) of land within the 6000 acre site within the border of GRIC. The parcel designations vary from having one owner to over 400 sharing one (1) ten-acre allotment. Pangea has worked diligently to document, organize, and present information for all landowners in the preparation of launching this enormous development project.

It has been the collaboration between the GRIC Government, the BIA, and the landowners themselves that has lead to the creation of the first-ever usable database of known landowners.

With the continued growth of Phoenix and its suburbs, the government’s incentives for assisting the tribal community, and other educational and developmental considerations, this land holds an unprecedented level of appeal and promise that Pangea will nurture and grow.