RISING TOGETHER: TRIBAL FLAGS FLY PERMANENTLY AT THE MINNESOTA STATE CAPITOL

Lisa Jackson was honored with raising the Mille Lacs Band tribal flag. Photos by Crystal Doffing.

Ceremony marks unity, sovereignty, and the enduring strength of Minnesota's Tribal Nations.

By Vivian LaMoore, Inaajimowin Editor

Over 200 people gathered on September 5, 2025, on the lower plaza of the Minnesota State Capitol to witness a historic moment: the raising of the flags of all 11 federally recognized tribes of Minnesota. For the first time, these flags will fly permanently at the new Tribal Flag Plaza on the Capitol grounds.

Mille Lacs Band Chief Executive Virgil Wind, along with other tribal leaders, Governor Tim Walz, and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, spoke at the special ceremony. The event began with prayers in Dakota and Ojibwe languages, accompanied by drums and singing, as each tribal representative raised the flag of their nation. This milestone marks a powerful acknowledgment of sovereignty and the enduring presence of the Tribal Nations on Dakota land, where the Capitol is located.

The flags represent the 11 sovereign Tribal Nations in Minnesota and will serve as a lasting reminder of their history, sovereignty, and partnership in shaping the state's future.

Chief Executive Wind began his tribute by addressing "all my relatives," underscoring the spirit of connectedness. He honored the ancestors and veterans, past and present, saying: "For without our ancestors and veterans, none of us would be here today."

"To stand here today at the Minnesota State Capitol and see the flags of all eleven sovereign Tribal Nations in Minnesota raised permanently is something I never imagined I would witness in my lifetime," Chief Executive Wind said. "This ceremony is a recognition of truth, a sign of respect, and a visible commitment to government-to-government relationships that are built on trust, sovereignty, and shared purpose."

He spoke of the resiliency of the Mille Lacs Band, noting that despite centuries of broken treaties, forced removals, and attempts to erase their identity, they endured. "We are the Non-Removable Mille Lacs Band. We are still here, speaking our language, practicing our ceremonies, protecting our sovereignty, and investing in the future of our children."

The Mille Lacs Band's story, he emphasized, is one of survival and strength, but also of contribution. The Band has built economic tools to support its government and members, while investing in hospitals, schools, jobs, and partnerships that benefit communities across the state.

"So today, as our flag rises here among the symbols of Minnesotas democracy, let it remind all who pass by that Tribal Nations are not part of Minnesota's past. We are part of its present, and its future. We are sovereign tribal nations with inherent rights, enduring strength, and a shared responsibility to help shape a better tomorrow for all people who call this land home."

Chief Executive Wind extended gratitude to the Governors Office, the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board, and all those who helped organize the event. "I'd like to specifically recognize Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan, our fellow tribal leaders, and the many dignitaries and guests in attendance."

The flags represent the following 11 Tribal Nations:

• Bois Forte Band of Chippewa (Zagaakwaandagowinin-iwag)

• Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (Nah-gah-chi-wa-nong)

• Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (Gi-chi-Onigaming)

• Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe (Gaa-waabaabiganikaag)

• Lower Sioux Indian Community (Cansa yapi)

• Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe (Misi-zaaga' iganiing)

• Prairie Island Indian Community (Tinta Wita)

• Red Lake Nation (Miskwaagamiiwi-Zaagaiganing)

• Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (Mde-wakanton)

• Upper Sioux Community (Pezihutazizi Oyate)

• White Earth Nation (Gaa-waabaabiganikaag)