(KSTP) – The way Minnesota selects designs for its state flag and seal may change in the future.

On Tuesday, some Republican lawmakers, as well as Aaron Wittnebel, a member of the State Emblems Redesign Commission who represents the Ojibwe communities, discussed legislation that would “make corrections” to the new state seal and give Minnesotans a say on whether the new state flag should be approved.

Others who attended the event were state representatives Bjorn Olson (R-Fairmont), state senators Steve Drazkowski (R-Mazeppa) and Eric Lucero (R-St. Michael) and others.

“One thing has been made clear since the emblems commission began its work: the people of our state have been left out of this decision. Thirteen unelected people are speaking for 5.7 million Minnesotans,” Drazkowski said. “These bills today allow the most important voice, the people’s voice, to be finally heard.”

One element of the discussion included the use of the Dakota language “Mni Sóta Makoce” in place of the state’s motto “L’etoile du Nord” on the state seal.

Wittnebel brought up legal concerns saying, “The seal incorporates a non-official state emblem, and that doesn’t comply with the law of the statute.”

The other issue discussed was the removal of the state’s founding year of 1858 on the seal.

“Since 2013, when seals change, the founding creation establishment or organization date should be included as a verification of the seal,” Wittnebel said.

Protestors also gathered at the State Capitol to show their support for the old flag on Tuesday.

Rally in support of old state flag at Minnesota Capitol. pic.twitter.com/U4m6bmYEAT

— Peter Callaghan (@CallaghanPeter) March 5, 2024

“This has so much rich history in it,” said George Frederick. “A lot of people with a lot of pride whose flag they don’t look at it as a symbol of racism. I mean, I myself see the Lady Slipper. I see a farmer, I don’t see an Indian being forced off the land.”

Counter protestors showed up to the Capitol steps to support the new design.

“I hate using the term racist just because of how politically charged it is now, but that seal is all about Native Americans being pushed out by the white settler… that’s the purpose,” said Dan Zierath.

The two bills will be introduced into the Legislature this week.

RELATED: Replacing the state seal comes with hefty price tag for Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office

RELATED: Mixed reactions to likely final design for new state flag, commission member confident

As previously reported by 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS, the commission picked a base design for the new flag on Dec. 15, days after the top three flag design submissions were chosen. That was after more than 2,600 design submissions were made by the public, which was then narrowed to six back in November.

RELATED: State flag commission narrows field to 3 finalists

The new designs are expected to take effect later this spring unless state lawmakers decide otherwise.

The State Emblems Redesign Commission was established to adopt a new design for the official state seal and a new design for the official state flag. For more information, visit the State Emblems Redesign Commission’s website.