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Amber Buker, J.D.
Founder & CEO of Totem, digital banking by and for Indigenous people
Amber Buker, J.D. is a Native American entrepreneur and banking executive with a background in fintech and innovation. Here are some key points about her career and background:
Professional Experience
Amber Buker currently serves on the Technology Advisory Board at Chesapeake Bank, where she leads innovation efforts.3 Prior to this role, she was the Founder and CEO of Totem Technologies, Inc., a Native-owned fintech startup she founded in 2022.12
Totem Technologies
Totem was created to revolutionize banking for Native Americans by developing a digital banking app tailored to serve Native communities.1 The company aimed to:
- Partner with tribal governments to distribute benefits to members
- Provide personal banking services to Native Americans
- Offer access to tribal financial services like down payment assistance and scholarships
Buker successfully raised $2.2 million in pre-seed funding for Totem in 2022, with backing from impact investors and Indigenous-focused venture capital firms.2
Background and Expertise
- Enrolled member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma2
- Law degree from Lewis & Clark Law School3
- Experience in the fintech sector prior to founding Totem1
- Board member of Natives in Tech, a nonprofit organization1
Recent Developments
As of August 2024, Buker announced that she was stepping down from her role as Founder and CEO of Totem Technologies.4 In September 2024, she shared that she had taken on a new position, likely referring to her current role at Chesapeake Bank.5
Amber Buker continues to be involved in tribal finance and banking innovation, as evidenced by her attendance at events like the Oklahoma Tribal Finance Consortium.6