About
The Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous, and Tribal Populations was established in 2019 as a bold step toward addressing the deep-rooted disparities caused by systemic racism in Maine. We recognize that our state's history, like our nation's, is marked by the stolen land and labor of Indigenous and Black people, and the exploitation of immigrant communities. This legacy continues to shape our present, manifesting in unequal outcomes in housing, income, education, health, and every aspect of daily life.
We understand that dismantling systemic racism requires intentional action. It's about acknowledging the historical context of our institutions and policies, and working to transform them so they serve all Maine people well. We strive to build a bridge between state government and communities who have experienced generations of harm, centering their knowledge and lived experience.
We envision a Maine where all people, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or background, have the opportunity to thrive. A Maine where our systems and institutions are just and equitable, and where everyone has the dignity, resources, and self-determination to live a fulfilling life. This is the future we are working toward, together.
We center community: We believe that those most impacted by injustice must be at the forefront of change: nothing about us, without us.
We are data-driven and story-informed: We use both quantitative data and qualitative stories of lived experience to illuminate the complex reality of systemic racism.
We collaborate and build partnerships: We work with institutions and communities to build collective power and create lasting solutions.
We are honest about hard history: We acknowledge the painful truths of our past and work toward a future rooted in healing and justice.
We promote liberty and justice for all: We believe that addressing racial injustice benefits everyone, reinforcing our freedoms and creating a stronger and more vibrant Maine for all.
- Commissioners
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The Permanent Commission is made up of dedicated individuals from diverse backgrounds, united by a shared passion for justice. Get to know the Commissioners and staff who are working to build a more just Maine.
Commissioner
Seat
Appointing Authority
Co-Chair Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross RACIAL JUSTICE: a statewide organization which promotes civil rights and racial justice President of the Senate Co-Chair Ambassador Maulian Bryant PENOBSCOT: a member of the Penobscot Nation Penobscot Nation James Myall ECONOMIC POLICY: an economic policy or data-centered organization President of the Senate Deb Ibonwa PUBLIC BENEFIT POLICY: an organization with expertise in legal and policy matters related to public benefits programs assisting people with low incomes President of the Senate Sonja Thomas HIGHER EDUCATION: a member of a college or university in the state specializing in the history, culture, or civil/ human rights of historically disadvantaged racial, Indigenous, and tribal populations President of the Senate Jason Shedlock LABOR: a member of organized labor President of the Senate Amy Winston CDFI: a representative of a community development financial institution Speaker of the House Amanda Comeau HOUSING & HOMELESSNESS: a housing or homelessness advocacy organization Speaker of the House Bruce King HISTORICALLY DISADVANTAGED POPULATION: a representative of a historically disadvantaged racial population of the state Speaker of the House Rev. Kenneth Lewis FAITH: a member of the faith-based community Governor Reginald Parson YOUTH: a member representing youth Governor Vice Chief Richard Silliboy MI'KMAQ: a member of the Mi'kmaq Nation Mi'kmaq Nation Juana Rodriguez-Vazquez LATINO/ MIGRANT RIGHTS: an organization representing latino and migrant communities Permanent Commission Theo Greene LGBTQ+: a member of the LGBTQ+ community Permanent Commission Staff
Ariel Ricci Executive Director Leeann Sullivan Research Specialist Rae Sage Policy Coordinator Morgan Pottle Urquhart Communications Coordinator Aaron Hooks Wayman Operations Director Billale Fulli Community Engagement Specialist - Annual reports
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Charting Our Progress
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. - Guiding Principles
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Shortly after it was established, the Permanent Commission identified seven guiding principles for addressing structural racism through public policy. These guiding principles remain central to the work:
Building awareness takes resources. Existing quantitative data show significant disparities in socioeconomic and health outcomes based on race, ethnicity, tribal citizenship, and immigration status. The Permanent Commission also recognizes the importance of qualitative data - the lived experience of people most harmed by systematic racism. This requires open dialogue, active listening, and respecting lived experience as valuable and valid data.
Awareness alone is not enough. Building awareness of disparities is a first and important step. Action needs to be taken to address root causes alongside a long-term commitment to listening and learning.
Financial and human resources must be allocated. To truly address the deep-rooted impacts of racism, we must demonstrate our commitment to change through the commitment of resources.
Policies that are ‘race-neutral’ will ultimately maintain existing disparities. The Permanent Commission advocates for the explicit consideration of race in the analysis of a policy’s impact. Only a fully-informed approach can build a foundation for fairer outcomes.
An adequate response requires a structural analysis. Specific bills and policies may help provide relief in the short-term, but it is necessary to take a systemic view to understand root causes.
Impacted communities should lead developing solutions. The Permanent Commission strongly believes that the most effective solutions will come from the communities most impacted.
Policies that affect tribal nations must be enacted in a government-to-government relationship that honors and respects sovereignty. Policies that impact tribal nations should be crafted and implemented in collaboration with tribal governments and their representatives.
