“Stay connected to your community and honor what came before you”
Quick Facts
Education Level: Graduate School
Years of Experience: 10 Years
About
Joshua L. Shumak, Vice Chief of the Wassamasaw Tribe, works to preserve and promote Native American culture in South Carolina through leadership, cultural education, traditional arts, and community partnerships. Growing up, he recognized the importance of cultural knowledge, art, and storytelling in sustaining identity. He began by engaging in cultural preservation efforts and learning traditional arts from Native artists and cultural leaders, which developed into a broader commitment to advocacy, education, and community engagement.
The uniqueness of his work comes from its intersection of culture, community leadership, and public service. As Vice Chief of the Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians as well as the Tribal Liaison for the State of South Carolina, he operates between tribal communities and state institutions, fostering collaboration and mutual understanding. His work emphasizes “the intersection of culture, community leadership, and public service.”
He emphasizes the importance of remaining connected to one’s community and understanding that creativity is not only about producing something new, but also about honoring what came before. For Indigenous artists, creative work carries stories, teachings, and responsibilities. He encourages aspiring creatives to learn from elders and mentors, to understand the meaning behind traditions, and to develop their voice from their cultural roots.
Joshua prioritizes the fact that Native cultures are living cultures. The tribe’s traditions, arts, and stories are not just part of history—they continue to evolve and thrive today. He tries to “help create spaces where Native voices, artists, and communities can share their stories in their own words, and ensure that future generations have the opportunity to learn and carry those traditions forward.”
