Joshua Shumak to speak on "Native American Perseverance in SC”

Join us at the Horry County Museum on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 1 p.m. for a presentation on "Native American Perseverance in South Carolina" by Joshua Shumak. This presentation explores the resilience and enduring contributions of Native American communities in South Carolina, from the historic Lowcountry to regions beyond. Participants will learn about cultural preservation, community leadership and the ongoing efforts of state-recognized and tribal communities to sustain their heritage, traditions, and influence in contemporary society.

Shumak is Vice Chief of the Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians and Native American Affairs Program Coordinator for the South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs. A nationally respected advocate and educator, he has received multiple Keys to the City and became one of the youngest recipients of the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. His work has earned numerous national and international awards for leadership, cultural preservation and public service.

In 2024,Shumak made history as the first representative of a South Carolina–recognized tribe to speak at the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Geneva, highlighting the resilience and challenges of Native communities. A sought-after speaker, including at TEDx Charleston 2025, he continues to build bridges between tribal nations, government and global partners while advocating for Indigenous rights and cultural heritage.

This program is supported by South Carolina Humanities. The mission of South Carolina Humanities is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. This not-for-profit organization presents and/or supports literary initiatives, lectures, exhibits, festivals, publications, oral history projects, videos and other humanities-based experiences that reach more than 250,000 citizens annually. South Carolina Humanities receives funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities as well as corporate, foundation and individual donors. It is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of community leaders from throughout the state.

This event will be held at the Museum’s McCown Auditorium located at 805 Main Street in Conway. This program is free and open to the public. For more information, call (843) 915-5320 or email hcg.museum@horrycountysc.gov.

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