A simplified state flag will wave over Minnesota soon. It replaces a design that many Native Americans and their sympathizers find problematic.
The proposed new banner features an eight-pointed North Star against a dark blue K-shape similar to that of the state. The star echoes Minnesota’s motto: “Star of the North.” Blue hues reflect the state’s more than 10,000 lakes.
The State Emblems Redesign Commission chose the revision along with a new state seal. Pending Minnesota Legislature approval, the redesigned symbols will become official on May 11, 2024.
Minnesota’s current flag dates from 1957, an update of the 1893 original. It includes the current state seal. The seal depicts a Native American riding off into the sunset while a white settler plows a field, his rifle leaning on a stump.
The state’s 11 recognized Dakota and Ojibwe tribes say the image reflects “pride in driving my people from their homes,” Shelley Buck of the Prairie Island Indian Community told The Washington Post.
Plus, experts in the study of flags—known as vexillology—call it overly complicated. Ideally, they say, a child should be able to draw a state flag.
The new banner is based on a design by 24-year-old Andrew Prekker of Luverne.
“It is my greatest hope that this new flag can finally represent our state and all of its people properly,” says Prekker. He desires “that every Minnesotan of every background, including the Indigenous communities and tribal nations who’ve been historically excluded, can look up at our flag with pride and honor and see themselves within it.”
The updated seal features a loon and the Dakota name for Minnesota: Mni Sóta Makoce. That can be translated as “land where waters reflect the clouds.”
Supporters want the new flag and seal to be symbols of commonality. But Senator Steve Drazkowski claims using the Dakota term—despite its similarity to the state name—on the seal is “raising one race above all the races of Minnesota.” Other critics say the commission should have heard from more Minnesotans.
Still, members of the North American Vexillological Association say the new design is among the best in the country.
Unity can be difficult for sinful people to achieve. But a community divided can’t function well. Jesus said, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.” (Matthew 12:25) Apostles Peter and Paul urge Christians to strive for unity and harmony. The symbol of that unity we are to pursue is not found in a flag. It is in the love of God proven on the cross of Christ.
His banner over me was love. — Song of Solomon 2:4
Why? Revising symbols such as flags and seals may help to foster unity or to further fuel divides.
For more about symbols of identity, see Design Your Own Coat of Arms by Rosemary A. Chorzempa in our Recommended Reading.
