Old State House: Massachusetts State Seal and Flag

At this site, you will watch a video describing Native perspectives of the Massachusetts state seal and flag. When you arrive at the Washington Street (west) side of the Old State House, take a moment to look up. At the top of the building, you will see the original seat of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. For a closer look, click here: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_of_the_Massachusetts_Bay_Colony.svg

How is the Native person depicted? What is he saying? This was a symbol created not by Indigenous people, but settler-colonists. Why might they have chosen these words and imagery? Next, you can read more below about attempts to change the state seal and flag.

Special Commission on the Official Seal and Motto of the Commonwealth: https://malegislature.gov/Commissions/Detail/565

Change the Mass Flag Organization: https://changethemassflag.com/

WBUR article: https://www.wbur.org/news/2022/05/19/special-commission-votes-to-create-a-new-massachusetts-state-seal-and-motto

Mass Live article: https://www.masslive.com/politics/2022/09/state-seal-and-motto-commission-still-exploring-new-options-for-mass-no-decision-made-yet.html