Minnesota officially unveiled its new state flag on statehood day, replacing an old design that Native Americans found offensive. The old flag featured a state seal with an image of a Native American riding off into the sunset while a white settler plows his field with a rifle at the ready. The new flag and seal eliminate this controversial imagery, with the new design featuring a dark blue shape resembling Minnesota on the left with a white, eight-pointed North Star on it, and a light blue field representing the Land of 10,000 Lakes. The new state seal features a loon amid wild rice, symbolizing the state’s abundant waters.
The decision to change the flag came after pressure from Native Americans who found the old design to be a painful reminder of conquest and displacement. The new symbols were adopted in December, with officials choosing a design that does not include popular submissions like a loon with lasers for eyes. The unveiling of the new flag and seal took place at the capitol on statehood day, marking a fresh start for Minnesota’s state symbols. The new design aims to reflect the state’s natural beauty and abundance of lakes.
The old state seal, which featured the controversial imagery of a Native American and white settler, was a key feature of the previous flag. By replacing it with a new design that symbolizes the state’s landscapes and wildlife, Minnesota is taking steps to move away from a past that has caused pain for many indigenous people. The new state flag and seal aim to represent the values and identity of the state in a more inclusive and respectful way. The inclusion of a loon amid wild rice on the new seal highlights the importance of the state’s natural resources.
Despite the popularity of some design submissions, officials ultimately chose a new flag and seal that best represented Minnesota’s character and values. The dark blue shape resembling the state and the white North Star symbolize Minnesota’s geographical location and identity as the North Star State. The light blue field represents the state’s abundant waters, which play a significant role in defining the Land of 10,000 Lakes. The unveiling of the new flag and seal marks a significant moment in the state’s history, as Minnesota moves towards a more inclusive and representative state symbol.
Overall, the new state flag and seal represent a fresh start for Minnesota, signaling a shift towards more inclusive and respectful symbols that reflect the state’s natural beauty and abundance of lakes. The decision to replace the old design, which was deemed offensive by many Native Americans, shows a commitment to honoring the state’s diverse history and culture. The adoption of a new flag and seal is a positive step towards reconciliation and healing, as Minnesota works towards creating symbols that all residents can be proud of. The new symbols serve as a reminder of the state’s values and identity, while also honoring its natural resources and landscapes.
