In an effort to replace an outdated design that many Native Americans found offensive, Minnesota's State Emblems Redesign Commission decided on Tuesday to feature an eight-pointed North Star on the state's new flag. The final version was chosen by an 11-1 vote and is set to become official on April 1, 2024, coinciding with Minnesota's Statehood Day.

The selection of the North Star for the state flag echoes Minnesota's motto, "Star of the North." Luis Fitch, the chairman of the commission, explained that the light blue color represents the Mississippi River, which holds significant importance as one of the United States' most vital rivers. Fitch acknowledged that the symbol may hold different meanings for different people. Ultimately, symmetry and simplicity triumphed over other versions, including one that included a green stripe representing the state's agricultural heritage.

The revised design was originally submitted by Andrew Prekker, a resident of Luverne, who expressed gratitude and amazement at the opportunity to contribute to Minnesota's history. Prekker stated that he hoped the new flag would bring unity and pride to the state, allowing every Minnesotan, regardless of background, to see themselves represented within it.

The current Minnesota flag dates back to 1957, with minor modifications made from the original 1893 design. It features the state seal, which critics argue depicts a Native American riding away as a white settler plows a field with a rifle leaning on a nearby stump. This imagery has been widely criticized for suggesting the defeat and displacement of Indigenous people while glorifying the victory and permanence of white settlers.

The previous flag design has been deemed offensive by the state's 11 recognized Dakota and Ojibwe tribes. Additionally, flag experts from the North American Vexillological Association have criticized its complexity, favoring simplicity that even a child could draw.

In an effort to address these concerns, the commission also finalized a new state seal. The revised seal features a loon, Minnesota's state bird, along with the Dakota name for the state, "Mni Sóta Makoce," which translates to "where the water meets the sky." Additionally, the commission voted to increase the number of gold bars on the seal's rim from 87 to 98 in order to represent the 11 tribes.

While supporters of the new flag and seal hope that they will symbolize unity within the state, two Republican nonvoting members of the commission, Representative Bjorn Olson and Senator Steve Drazkowski, plan to submit a minority report to the Legislature. They argue that the chosen seal violates the statute that created the commission by elevating one race above others. Olson also claims that the process was rushed and suggests that Minnesotans should have the opportunity to vote on the flag and seal next November.

Democratic Secretary of State Steve Simon, a voting member of the commission, stated that his office tentatively concluded that a statewide vote on the issue would be unconstitutional, citing Minnesota's laws which do not allow for statewide initiatives and referendums.

Minnesota joins several other states in redesigning their outdated flags. Utah recently approved a simplified design that includes a beehive, symbolizing the prosperity of its Mormon pioneers. Mississippi voters also chose a new flag featuring a magnolia to replace a Confederate-themed flag that was considered racist. Furthermore, states like Michigan, Illinois, and Maine are currently considering the simplification of their own flags.

As the new flag and seal come into effect in 2024, their impact on unity and representation within Minnesota remains to be seen.