The people gradually moved into the present location in 1909 when a school was started. The migration into Selawik wasn't complete until the 1950's. Economy is primarily subsistence. It is 150 miles east of Kotzebue. Shungnak was founded in the 1920's when some of the residents of Kobuk sought relief from annual flooding.
Subsistence dominates the economy and the village has a strong crafts industry.