ST. PAUL 鈥� A panel tasked with coming up with a new design for Minnesota鈥檚 state flag and seal by the end of 2023 has appointed its leadership and work schedule, though there鈥檚 a chance they鈥檒l need more time to complete their work.
Minnesota鈥檚 flag has long been criticized for its unmemorable design and depiction of white settlers driving Native Americans off their lands. After decades of discussion, the process of adopting new symbols has started.
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At the first meeting of the State Emblems Redesign Commission on Tuesday, Sept. 5, members agreed to meet weekly with the goal of finishing their business by the end-of-year deadline. Under the state law calling for the new flag, members of the panel have to take input from experts and the public and create a new design by Jan. 1, 2024.
But even with weekly meetings, there鈥檚 a chance the emblems commission will ask the Legislature for an extension to complete their work, according to Allison Ortiz, a spokesperson with the Minnesota Historical Society, one of the groups involved in the effort. The commission is hopeful they'll meet their deadline, she said.
If the flag redesign effort needs more time, the panel will still have months to finish its business ahead of the adoption deadline. The Minnesota Legislature does not convene until February 2024, and the state law calling for the new flag and seal must be adopted by May 11.
In addition to discussion of the timeframe for flag redesign, the commission on Tuesday elected its chair and vice chair. Luis Fitch, a member appointed to represent Minnesota鈥檚 Latino community will head the commission. Anita Gaul, a southwest Minnesota college instructor and 2022 DFL candidate for Minnesota Senate appointed to the commission by Democratic Gov. Tim Walz will serve as vice chair.
The law requires the State Emblems Redesign Commission to be composed of three members appointed by the governor, as well as representatives from the Black, Latino, Asian-Pacific, Dakota and Ojibwe communities. Explore Minnesota Tourism, the Minnesota Historical Society and the Minnesota Secretary of State also have spots on the commission.
Other members of the commission include:
- Dr. Kate Beane, Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board
- Governor appointee Shelley Buck, a member of the Prairie Island Indian Community Tribal Council
- Governor appointee Michael Harralson, a deputy judge of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe
- Kim Jackson, Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans
- Denise Mazone, Council on Minnesotans of African Heritage
- Lauren Bennett McGinty, Explore Minnesota Tourism
- Philip McKenzie, Minnesota State Arts Board
- Steve Simon, Minnesota Secretary of State
- Kent Whitworth, Minnesota Historical Society
- Aaron Wittnebel, Minnesota Indian Affairs Council (MIAC) - Ojibwe Community
There鈥檚 also an open spot remaining reserved for a member of Minnesota鈥檚 Dakota community, according to the commission's website
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Non-voting Members:
- Sen. Mary Kunesh, DFL-New Brighton
- Rep. Matt Freiberg, DFL-Golden Valley
- Sen. Steve Drazkowski, R-Mazeppa
- Rep. Bjorn Olson, R-Fairmont
More information on the panel can be found on this website:
The Trust Project
