Trees. Birds. Mottos. Fruit. Songs. Flowers. Flags. What do all these have in common? They are all U.S. state symbols. They represent the life, culture, and people of each state.

Minnesota is changing some of its symbols. It’s getting a new state flag and seal.

The old flag had a picture of the state seal on it. It shows a Native American riding off into the sunset. A settler plows a field, his rifle leaning on a stump.

Many Native Americans found the design hurtful. Years ago, some settlers pushed Native people off their land. The image seemed to reflect “pride in driving my people from their homes,” says Shelley Buck. She is part of the Prairie Island Indian Community.

The flag had another problem. Experts said it was too complicated. A good flag should be simple enough for a child to draw.

The new banner features an eight-pointed North Star. Minnesota’s motto is “Star of the North.” A dark blue K-shape looks a bit like a map of the state. The blue colors symbolize water. The state has more than 10,000 lakes.

A committee also picked a new state seal. The updated seal features a loon (the state bird). It also bears the Dakota name for Minnesota. That is Mni Sóta Makoce. It means “where the water meets the sky.”

Supporters want the new flag and seal to be symbols of unity. But not everyone likes them. Some people say the committee should have gotten feedback from more Minnesotans.

Still, flag experts say the new design is among the best in the country.

Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! — Psalm 133:1

Why? Symbols such as flags and seals are meant to foster unity. But sometimes they create divides.

For more about flags, see The Boy Who Carried the Flag by Jana Carson in our Recommended Reading.