A Legacy of Disparity, a Vision for Justice
The Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous, and Tribal Populations is an independent, nonpartisan commission, established in 2019 by Maine law. There are 17 seats on the commission that reflect expertise in areas of life that are most impacted by systemic injustice, from poverty and economic development to civil rights, tribal sovereignty, and workers’ rights. Members of the Permanent Commission are appointed by the presiding officers of the Maine Legislature, the Governor, the tribal governments of the Wabanaki Nations, and the commission itself.
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- Mission
The Permanent Commission advances racial equity and tribal sovereignty by bridging communities and state government. We provide evidence-based guidance to government and partner with communities to further their priorities.
- Vision
The Permanent Commission envisions a Maine where all communities, no matter our race or where we’re from, have the power and resources to thrive, and where the inherent sovereignty of Wabanaki Nations is honored and respected.
- Commissioners
Commissioner Seat Appointing Authority Co-Chair Maulian Bryant Penobscot Penobscot Nation Co-Chair Amanda Comeau Housing & Homelessness Speaker of the House Co-Chair Bruce King Historically Disadvantaged Population Speaker of the House Amy Winston Community Development Financial Institution Speaker of the House Jacqueline Mugwaneza Immigrant & Refugee Rights Speaker of the House Senator Rachel Talbot Ross Racial Justice President of the Senate Karin Leuthy Economic Policy President of the Senate Dina Malual Public Benefit Policy President of the Senate Sonja Thomas Higher Education President of the Senate Jason Shedlock Labor President of the Senate Rev. Kenneth Lewis Faith Governor Reginald Parson Youth Governor Teresita Hamel Mi'kmaq Mi'kmaq Nation Beth Ford Maliseet Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians Vacant Passamaquoddy Passamaquoddy Tribe Juana Rodriguez-Vazquez Migrant Rights Permanent Commission Theo Greene LGBTQ+ Permanent Commission Staff
Name Position Ariel Ricci Executive Director Leeann Sullivan Research Specialist Morgan Pottle Urquhart Communications Coordinator Aaron Hooks Wayman Operations Director Billale Fulli Community Engagement Specialist Sam Zuckerman Policy Coordinator - Annual reports
Our annual reports tell the story of our ongoing work toward racial justice. They offer a transparent look at our initiatives, challenges, and the progress we're making together to create a Maine that truly works for everyone.
