Why is Minnesota changing its state flag?
Native Americans. The proposed flag, featuring a white eight-pointed star against a dark blue background shaped like the state, was revealed on Tuesday by the State Emblems Redesign Commission.
The design, created by 24-year-old Minnesotan artist Andrew Prekker, serves as an ode to the state's motto, «Star of the North,» with the light blue symbolizing Minnesota's abundant waters.
Design Interpretations
The flag was approved by Minnesota's State Emblems Redesign Commission after an 11-1 vote. Chairman Andrew Prekker acknowledged that interpretations of the flag might vary among different individuals. Notably, the current state flag, dating back to 1957, had faced controversy due to its depiction of a horse-mounted Native American moving away from a farmer with a plough and a rifle, which some argue alludes to the displacement of Native Americans in Minnesota.
Redesign Commission's Decision and State Seal Addition
The new flag, set to become official on May 11, Minnesota's Statehood Day, was not the only change approved by the commission. A new state seal was also given the green light, featuring a loon, Minnesota's state bird. The redesign commission's decision, however, did not come without its share of comparisons. Some noted similarities between Prekker's design and the flag of Puntland, a Somali state, leading to questions about coincidences and cultural influences.
Minnesota's Connection to the Global Flag Landscape
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon addressed concerns about similarities, drawing parallels with other states like Iowa and
