Minnesota Chooses New State Flag Design

December 21, 2023

Minnesota’s State Emblems Redesign Commission has selected a new design for the state flag, replacing an older version that was considered offensive by many Native Americans. The chosen design features an eight-pointed North Star against a dark blue background shaped like the state, with a solid light blue field on the right. The star symbolizes Minnesota’s state motto, “Star of the North.” The new flag aims for symmetry and simplicity, emphasizing a clean design over other versions that included a green stripe to represent the state’s agricultural heritage.

Key Points:

Final Design Choice: The State Emblems Redesign Commission voted 11-1 in favor of the final flag design, which incorporates the North Star on a dark blue background, with a light blue field.
Symbolism of Colors: The light blue is interpreted by the commission chairman as representing the Mississippi River, while the North Star echoes the state motto of “Star of the North.” The design’s simplicity and symmetry were key factors in its selection.
Revised Flag Version: The chosen design is a revised version of a submission by Andrew Prekker, who expressed gratitude for contributing to state history and hoped the new flag would bring unity and pride to Minnesota.
Historical Context: Minnesota’s current flag, dating from 1957, includes imagery that critics find offensive, depicting a Native American riding away as a white settler plows a field. The new design aims for inclusivity and representation.
Automatic Adoption: Unless the Legislature rejects the new flag, it will become official on April 1, 2024, coinciding with Minnesota’s Statehood Day.
Previous Offensive Design: The existing flag, ranked poorly in vexillology studies, faced criticism for its depiction of Indigenous people, leading to the redesign effort.
Loon on New State Seal: The commission also finalized a new state seal featuring a loon and the Dakota name for Minnesota, reflecting the connection between water and sky.
Concerns and Minority Report: Two Republican nonvoting members plan to submit a minority report, expressing concerns about rushing the process, potential violations of commission statutes, and issues of racial representation in the chosen seal.
National Trend: Several states are redesigning outdated flags for simplicity and inclusivity, following examples like Utah and Mississippi, which opted for symbols representing prosperity and unity.