Sunday December 17, 2023
Minnesota's proposed flag (L) resembles the state flag of the Puntland (R) region in Somalia.
Minneapolis (HOL) -Minnesota's proposed new state flag has drawn attention for its striking resemblance to the flag of Puntland, a region in Somalia. This comparison is particularly notable given Minnesota's sizeable Somali diaspora, the largest in the United States, and the fact that Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, a prominent political figure, originally hails from this region.
The commission's selected design, created by Andrew Prekker of Luverne, Minnesota, features a dark blue silhouette accented by a white eight-point North Star. However, the nuances of this design —including the horizontal tri-colour pattern — have unexpectedly echoed the Puntland flag's aesthetics.
Prekker's design choice was inspired by other state flags known for their simplicity and memorability, such as Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado. However, the core inspiration for Prekker came from Minnesota itself, its motto "L'etoile Du Nord," meaning "star of the north," and its rich history.
Explaining his design, Prekker notes that each colour in the flag symbolizes a different aspect of Minnesota's identity. The white stripe represents snow and winter, the green stripe symbolizes the state's natural beauty and the importance of agriculture, and the light blue stripe reflects the significant role of water in the state, acknowledging Minnesota as the land of 10,000 lakes, the birth state of the Mississippi River, and its name derived from the Dakota language, meaning "a place of sky-tinted water."
Commission Chair Luis Fitch has stressed the importance of public feedback in the coming days, as the design aims to not only move past the controversies of the old flag but also to unite Minnesota's diverse population.
The historical weight of the current flag, dating back to 1957 and criticized for its depiction of Indigenous people's defeat, adds complexity to the redesign process. Involving vexillologists to ensure the new design is simple yet symbolic, the commission seeks to balance expert advice with a design that resonates with the state's populace.
The design process has generated mixed reactions. While some committee members like Shelley Buck call for a distinctive design, others, such as Phillip McKenzie, appreciate the minimalist approach. The unexpected international resemblance has added another layer to these discussions, reflecting Minnesota's diverse cultural landscape.
This redesign is part of a broader trend of states updating their flags to reflect modern values and cultural sensitivities, with similar initiatives seen in Utah and Mississippi.
The commission is also working on a new state seal that will feature a loon and include the Dakota phrase "Mni Sóta Makoce," translating to "where the water meets the sky."
Minnesota plans to officially introduce the new flag on April 1, 2024, coinciding with Minnesota Statehood Day.