- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
Minnesota is getting a new flag that more accurately represents “every Minnesotan,” said the state's Lt. governor, Peggy Flanagan.
The new flag, approved by the State Emblems Redesign Commission on December 19, shows a white Northern star over a dark blue backdrop in the “abstract shape” of Minnesota, beside a lighter blue that’s meant to symbolize “the significance of water to our state,” according to the commission’s notes.
The previous design of the Minnesota state flag has long been criticized for depicting a shirtless Native American person on horseback, seemingly being displaced from his land by a settler farmer. The Minnesota state legislature passed a bill to redesign the flag in May 2023.
Make A Donation Here
The designs must accurately and respectfully reflect Minnesota's shared history, resources, and diverse cultural communities,” the commission’s mandate reads. “Symbols, emblems, or likenesses that represent only a single community or person, regardless of whether real or stylized, may not be included in a design.”
“Dare I say anything that’s not a Native person being forced off their land is a flag upgrade?!” Flanagan, citizen of the White Earth Nation, wrote on X. “Excited to have a new state flag that represents every Minnesotan.”
The new design was done by Minnesota resident Andrew Prekker.
Prekker said in a statement that he hopes the new flag can properly represent the state’s diverse populations.
“That every Minnesotan of every background —including the Indigenous communities and tribal nations who’ve been historically excluded— can look up at our flag with pride and honor, and see themselves within it,” Prekker said.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Ethics Complaint Alleges Former Navajo Nation Chief of Staff Accepted Gifts From Contractor
Monday Morning (December 14, 2025): Articles You May Have Missed This Past Weekend
Senators Demand Accountability Amid Reports of ICE Questioning Native Americans
Help us defend tribal sovereignty.
At Native News Online, our mission is rooted in telling the stories that strengthen sovereignty and uplift Indigenous voices — not just at year’s end, but every single day.
Because of your generosity last year, we were able to keep our reporters on the ground in tribal communities, at national gatherings and in the halls of Congress — covering the issues that matter most to Indian Country: sovereignty, culture, education, health and economic opportunity.
That support sustained us through a tough year in 2025. Now, as we look to the year ahead, we need your help right now to ensure warrior journalism remains strong — reporting that defends tribal sovereignty, amplifies Native truth, and holds power accountable.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Your support keeps Native voices heard, Native stories told and Native sovereignty defended.
Stand with Warrior Journalism today.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher
