HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026 May MN State Flag and SealCOLUMBIA HEIGHTS
PROCLAMATION
Reaffirming Columbia Heights' Adoption of Minnesota's
New State Flag and Seal
The old Minnesota state flag, in use since 1858, was designed around imagery and ideals captured
in Mary Eastman's 1850 poem, which called for Native peoples to "give way" to "the white man's
grasping hand," celebrating the displacement of Indigenous people from their homeland. That flag
and its seal carried that legacy forward for over 160 years.
The City of Columbia Heights refuses to carry that legacy forward.
On May 11, 2024, Minnesota welcomed a new chapter in its history by adopting a new state flag
and seal. The flag features a white eight -pointed star, representing the North Star, shining brightly
against a dark blue night sky and light blue waters, reflecting our state's natural beauty and
guiding spirit.
The redesigned state seal symbolizes our unity and inclusion. The outer circle contains 98
rectangular golden bars, representing the state's 87 counties and 11 federally recognized American
Indian Tribes. The inner circle features symbols representing Minnesota: Wild rice, the official state
grain, the common loon, the official state bird, a white four -pointed star representing the state
motto'V6toile du Nord," the phrase "Mni S6ta Makoce," Dakota for "Land of the sky tinted water,"
the original rendering of our state's name, and stylized pine trees and water representing natural
areas across the state.
These changes are a significant step forward in acknowledging and rectifying past racial
insensitivity, turning once -offensive symbols into representations that reflect our values of
diversity and respect. More than symbolic, they demonstrate our commitment to building an
inclusive community where everyone is seen, heard, and valued.
Some cities have chosen to reject the new flag and return to the old one. Columbia Heights is not
one of those cities.
True progress requires more than just talk. It demands ongoing action, understanding, and
dedication to creating equitable opportunities for all. The City of Columbia Heights proudly flies
the new Minnesota state flag and stands firmly behind everything it represents.
The City of Columbia Heights extends heartfelt gratitude to the elected officials, artists, and all
who contributed their ideas and passion to creating our new state flag. While we celebrate this
milestone, our work is far from over. We must continue striving for justice, equity, and unity in all
aspects of our society.
Together, we are moving forward, united in our vision for a brighter future.
I, Amada Marquez Simula, Mayor of the City of Columbia Heights, proudly reaffirm our adoption
of and unwavering commitment to the new Minnesota State Flag and Seal and all the values of
justice, equity, inclusion, and unity that it represents.
k-A+Uc[a Mirq&z §im4#1Mayor
May 26, 2026