Minnesota flag redesigned after old one deemed offensive to Native Americans

Minnesota’s flag is getting a makeover following criticism that the state’s current banner is offensive to Native Americans.

A state commission, the State Emblems Redesign Commission, chose the final design concept for the new flag on Friday, and it features an abstract image of Minnesota and a North Star with eight points, according to a report.

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The State Emblems Redesign Commission was created via the state legislature in its previous session and was granted a $35,000 budget.

Two flags that were also under consideration were eliminated, and the 13-member commission will hold a meeting next week to choose a specific design of the new flag with a set structure and color variation, the report noted.

(Glenn Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP)

A Jan. 1 deadline is in place for a final selection.

The choice to abandon the old state flag came following criticism that its depiction of a Native American riding away on horseback while a farmer plows his field was offensive.

Now, leaders behind the new banner want a flag that all Minnesotans can eventually identify with, and the North American Vexillological Association was consulted on the new designs.

“The next generation will be raised with a new flag. It’s going to happen. We’re not going to be able to make everybody happy. The whole idea since day one was to make sure we can [create] a flag that unites us instead of separates us,” Commission Chairman Luis Fitch said.

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Similar criticism stemming from an alleged offense toward tribal communities also resulted in a change to the state seal, according to the report.

The newly adopted seal incorporates a red-eyed loon and Dakota wording.