RACHEL HUNTER

Rachel is Oglala Lakota from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. She was raised in the Pajuta Haka Community, also known as Kyle, South Dakota, and is a proud mother of three.

Rachel began her journey with the Tanka family in 2009. Since then, she’s worn many hats—starting as a customer service agent and working her way up to her current role as Operations Manager for Tanka Fund. Along the way, she’s been mentored by many people who’ve helped shape her personal and professional growth.

She’s currently pursuing a degree in Finance and Technology at the University of Phoenix. Her background includes experience in office, warehouse, and database management. She even took a detour into the healthcare field, studying phlebotomy and working as a laboratory technician at Monument Health for a year before realizing she was being called in a different direction—one that brought her back to her roots.

That pull led her back to Tanka, where she feels aligned with her values and purpose. “Working toward the mission of returning Buffalo to Native lands, lives, and economies gives me a sense of direction and pride,” she says. “I want to continue to be a part of Buffalo restoration.”

Outside of work, Rachel spends her time with her partner, Casey, and their children. On weekends, they explore the Black Hills or travel back to Kyle to visit family. “Family is a huge part of my life,” she says. “Any free time I get, I always want to spend it with them.”

She also enjoys researching her family history and building her family tree. “It’s so interesting when I find stories about my ancestors—it helps me feel even more connected to where I come from.”