Buche Foods in Pine Ridge announces the hiring of its first ever Lakota tribal member as the Grocery Store Manager. Tameka Vocu has held various positions at the store for the past 18 years and recently was appointed manager.
“It’s an honor to be the first female Native American to be managing the reservation’s biggest store. This is the greatest opportunity I have ever received. I’m hoping that with our team and community support, we can only improve on where we are now,” said Tameka.
“Tameka is a very strong, personable, and talented young woman,” said G.F. Buche Co. CEO/President RF Buche.
Prior to her newest role, Tameka worked extensively with former Buche Foods Pine Ridge Store Manager Kraig Peterson. “I have all the faith in her in the world,” said Kraig. “She was hired at 17 years-old and she ran the store against a heck of a battle in 2020. The store is in great hands with Tameka.”
Buche Foods took ownership of the store over six years ago after 51 years of existence, making multiple improvements and updates for the people of Pine Ridge. Until now, there has never been a Native American Store Manager, or a team as intertwined with the community.
“I have some pretty big shoes to fill,” said Tameka. “Our team is taking well to the change. They are all amazing, hardworking individuals and we can only succeed by remembering teamwork is vital.”
Tameka’s manager duties will include: keeping monthly inventories, making sure departments and store is clean and presentable, managing team members, assisting customers keeping good communication with current vendors and assisting Tribal and other programs with bulk orders.
Tameka stated, “RF Buche kept his word when he said he wanted the Lakota people to run this grocery store on our reservation and getting this opportunity is a wonderful thing.”
“I love being able to be of service to our people in any way I can and being a go-to person,” said Tameka. “It makes me feel good that they have the faith in me to be that for the people.”
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