About Amber
Amber Buker is the Founder and CEO of Totem, the only digital bank built by and for Indigenous people. A recovering attorney, Amber spent recent years advising bank leaders on technology. She has interviewed hundreds of leaders in banking, fintech, and government, and regularly speaks, writes, and podcasts for national audiences about what she’s learned from their work. In 2022, she became the second indigenous woman in America to raise a multi-million dollar venture funding round.
“I grew up in he heart of Indian Country in Tulsa, OK. Our mission to serve Native Americans led me to want to connect with the community in the Dakotas and, one warm intro after another, here we are!“
About Totem
Totem, founded by Amber Barker, is creating pathways to financial inclusion for Native Americans through digital banking. They are partnering with sovereign tribal governments to deliver culturally relevant financial products and education, make tribal benefits more accessible, and help the growing number of self-identifying Natives born off-rez connect to culture.
Tell us about your company and your mission.
“Totem is the only digital bank by and for Indigenous people. We partner with tribes to provide culturally relevant financial products, reliable disbursements, and streamlined access to tribal benefits.”
What are some wins you are celebrating?
“Totem just launched! We officially went live with our consumer spend accounts on July 3rd. You don’t have to fund your account to download the app and check it out so please do (and leave us a nice review).”
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned throughout your entrepreneurial journey?
“Never let the highs get too high, so the lows don’t get too low.”
Totem is officially a part of the Fargo-Moorhead founder family. How can our community support you in your next stage of growth?
“Spread the word about Totem’s accounts and make intros to leaders int he Native community. ”
What are you grateful for today?
“My ancestors and the sacrifice they made so I could be here today.”
Check out Totem Technologies, Inc.!
Readers can learn more about Amber and Totem by visiting their Twitter page, Instagram page, Tik Tok, and Website!
