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MINNEOSTA has unveiled its new state flag after decades of criticism from residents – but some residents still aren’t happy.
The state’s previous flag was called out for years over its design and depiction of Native Americans.
Its replacement was chosen by the State Emblems Redesign Commission and features a white North star on a dark blue shape of the state.
There is also a field of light blue to represent the state’s waters, said the commission.
The basis of the design was formed by Minnesota artist, Andrew Prekker, who said that it felt “surreal” to see his idea come to fruition.
“It’s such a rare privilege to be able to contribute to our state’s history in such a special way like this,” he said in a statement.
“It’s an achievement that I hope brings a lot of unity and pride to our land, and I will hold that fact with great honor for the rest of my life.”
In May 2023, the Minnesota state legislature passed a bill to redesign the flag and the state seal after the original was deemed unremarkable and offensive.
The state seal floated on a field of blue with a Native American holding an arrow on horseback.
Many read it as a reference to the displacement of Indigenous Americans throughout the state’s history and calls for it to change went as far back as at least 1968, however, nothing happened until now.
The final design was chosen from 2,500 public submissions, which included homages to state symbols such as the loon and the monarch butterfly.
There is also a new state seal, which features the loon and the Dakota word, “Mni Sota Makoce,” where the state’s name originates from.
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The commission voted to change the phrase from the original motto, “L’Etoile du Nord,” which means “Star of the North.”
“I like the new flag – in fact, I kinda love it. Well done to the Minnesota State Emblem Redesign Commission,” wrote one person on X, formerly known as Twitter. “North Star. Sky Blue Waters. Minnesota shape. Please tell me where I can order one or twelve.”
“In just 24 hrs Minnesota went from having no symbol as part of its identity to having a very clear and distinct symbol (the reversed chevron) that is easily recognizable. This is EXACTLY what I hoped would be the result of the flag process. Very happy right now,” wrote another person.
On Facebook, another resident wrote: “It’s simple and clean. I like it.”
“I love it! The MN shape is clever and will be beautiful up on a flagpole!” wrote another person.
“I do like our current flag. However, change is one of life’s few certainties, and this new flag is very nice,” wrote another person.
However, others didn’t like the design with many saying it didn’t represent what the state was about.
“It really doesn’t represent our state! We have so much more than a North Star,” wrote one person. “Fishing, football, lakes, and rivers, woods, camping! Come on!”
“Take a vote. It would never pass if we had to vote on it,” wrote another person.
“Good morning to everyone except the commission in charge of choosing Minnesota’s new state flag,” wrote an X user.
“No!! This tells us nothing about our beautiful state,” wrote another person. “Leave it the way it is or get more creative!!”
The flag and seal will debut on May 11, which is Statehood Day.
It’s unclear how much it will cost to replace items with the original seal on them, however, state law says the current seal can be used until the supply is exhausted or until January 2025, whichever comes first.
