MN state flag on track for redesign

In recent years, the Minnesota state flag has come under scrutiny for its depiction of Native Americans, and now, a Legislative proposal would set up a process for a redesign.

This week, the Minnesota House advanced an omnibus bill including the creation of a State Emblems Redesign Commission, which would be tasked with leading the effort and having a new flag adopted by mid-May of next year.

Rep. Mike Freiberg, DFL-Golden Valley, has long advocated for the move, and during floor debate, he cited the intent behind the current flag’s imagery as having overtones of white settlers taking land away from Indigenous populations.

“Our current flag and seal can be preserved historically with adequate commentary on it, but they do not need to, and they should not remain in place on flagpoles and official documents,” Freiberg contended.

The commission would include public members appointed by the governor, representatives from ethnic councils, as well as tribal leaders. Republican opponents brought concerns such as tradition, as well as lack of input from the Legislature. Freiberg suggested lawmakers could still weigh in if an issue pops up.

Beyond cultural concerns, Freiberg noted Minnesota’s flag often rates poorly for having an out-of-date style which does not stand out.

“The North American Vexillological Association has five principles for good flag design: Keep it simple, use meaningful symbolism, use two or three basic colors, don’t use lettering or seals, and be distinctive or related,” Freiberg outlined. “The Minnesota flag fails each of these principles.”

He added many other states have moved to update their flags. The larger legislative package with the redesign provision now moves to the state Senate.