Originally from Ohio, Aaron Baumgardner (Catawba) grew up away from his community and later reconnected with his culture through his work in natural resource management.
He holds a B.S. in Biology from the University of Akron and an M.S. in Biology from California State University, Bakersfield. His early career focused in academia, where he taught plant ecology and managed tallgrass prairie research projects before transitioning to tribal government. During his three years as Director of Natural Resources for the Catawba Indian Nation, he secured over $9 million in funding to strengthen the Nation's food systems and restore culturally significant ecosystems.
An artist, potter, and basket maker, Aaron has been deeply involved in continuing the legacy of Catawba pottery—an ancient and unbroken tradition—since returning to his ancestral homeland. He has also worked to restore white oak and rivercane basketry within his community.
Aaron lives in South Carolina with his husband and their two cats.
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