Stewardship
Preserving Culture Through Education
For more than 18 years, Joshua Chang has dedicated himself to the preservation and perpetuation of Hawaiian culture through education, mentorship, performance, and community engagement. As a Kumu Hula, cultural practitioner, musician, filmmaker, and educator, he creates opportunities for individuals of all ages to connect with Hawaiian traditions, language, history, music, and values.
Whether teaching at UCLA, leading community workshops, mentoring cultural practitioners, or directing educational conferences, Joshua believes that cultural preservation is most effective when knowledge is shared, practiced, and passed from one generation to the next. His work creates meaningful pathways for Native Hawaiians and the broader community to deepen their understanding of Hawaiian culture while fostering a sense of identity, responsibility, and connection.
In addition to his community-based work, Joshua is a valued member of the Walt Disney Entertainment Team, where he utilizes his talents as a Hawaiian musician, cultural practitioner, and performer to share the richness of Hawaiian and Polynesian culture with guests from around the world. Through authentic music, storytelling, and cultural representation, he helps create meaningful experiences that introduce audiences to the traditions, values, and spirit of Hawaiʻi. By reaching visitors from diverse backgrounds and countries, Joshua extends cultural education beyond the classroom, fostering greater appreciation and understanding of Hawaiian culture on a global scale.
Cultural Education
Providing instruction in Hawaiian history, traditions, language, protocol, music, and hula through formal and community-based learning environments.
Mentorship
Guiding students, educators, cultural practitioners, and emerging leaders in the responsible practice and perpetuation of Hawaiian culture.
Community Building
Creating spaces where individuals and families can learn, connect, and strengthen relationships through shared cultural experiences.
Cultural Preservation
Supporting the continuation of Hawaiian traditions through performances, workshops, educational programming, music, and storytelling.
Hawaiian Diaspora Engagement
Helping Native Hawaiians living outside of Hawaiʻi maintain meaningful connections to their heritage and cultural identity while providing opportunities for future generations to learn and participate.
Areas of Stewardship
Joshua's stewardship extends beyond teaching. Through education, performance, leadership, and cultural advocacy, he works to ensure that Hawaiian traditions remain living practices that continue to inspire future generations. Whether in a university classroom, community workshop, conference setting, performance venue, or on one of the world's most recognized entertainment stages, Joshua remains committed to sharing Hawaiian culture with authenticity, integrity, and aloha. His mission is not only to preserve culture, but to cultivate future cultural stewards who will carry that legacy forward for generations to come.
Stewardship in Action
