Dinos athlete brings Treaty 7 nations flags to the Jack Simpson Gymnasium

For Courtney Webber, being an Indigenous student-athlete is an extension of the leadership skills she has developed throughout her life. That leadership came into focus when she noticed something missing from the Jack Simpson Gymnasium at the University of Calgary: representation of the Indigenous nations of the Treaty 7 territory where UCalgary is located.

Now, thanks to her efforts, UCalgary will display the eight flags representing the Treaty 7 nations and Métis Nation in the venue that hosts countless athletic events and convocation ceremonies.

The flags represent more than simply seeing her identity reflected in the gym, says Webber, an education student and libero on the Dinos women’s volleyball team; they are part of a larger effort to reconcile her First Nations identity with the Canadian identity she also carries. 

“I want to live in a good way, with the best of both worlds,” says Webber, who has connections to the Alert Bay community off Vancouver Island traditionally known as 'Yalis. “I want to feel supported in who I am as a First Nations athlete while being able to stand under the national anthem and Canadian flag, too."

From observation to action

Webber took the initiative to ask how the space could better reflect Indigenous representation, reaching out to Writing Symbols Lodge, her coach and, eventually, Dinos Athletics. 

“Courtney wrote an email that was constructive and exceptionally compelling,” says Dr. Nick Holt, PhD, dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology.

For Holt, Webber’s questions aligned perfectly with ii' taa’poh’to’p, UCalgary’s Indigenous Strategy, and its commitment to Reconciliation. He brought the question to Dr. Michael Hart, PhD, vice-provost of Indigenous Engagement, and the Circle of Advisors meeting for guidance.  

That consultation ultimately changed the scope of Webber’s original ask; she had originally suggested featuring just the Treaty 7 flag.

“The idea was very well received, and they actually suggested that, instead of the original idea of raising the Treaty flag, it would be great to have (all) the nations’ flags,” Holt says, recalling advice from one of his advisers: “The Treaty is a piece of paper. The nations are the nations.”

“Some things may seem obvious, but you need that consultation and clear direction. It is amazing that we have those connections at the university, that people really care and are willing to give their time to support the university and ii' taa’poh’to’p and Reconciliation.”

That same care extended to details as particular as where the flags were sourced. “We were figuring out how we could acquire flags and how we could do it in a respectable manner,” says Lonnie Dixon, BA’25, cultural programs co-ordinator with the Office of Indigenous Engagement. 

The flags were installed over the summer following a ceremony where they were blessed by Elders Reg and Rose Crowshoe before being installed in the Jack Simpson. For Dixon, the moment marked something significant, “I think it’s the first time Treaty 7 nations flags are flying permanently on campus.”

A connection to community

For Webber, seeing the flags for the first time was an emotional moment. 

“It brought tears to my eyes, it’s so beautiful. It’s a small but great symbolic act of Reconciliation,” she says.

That feeling of connection to culture is one Webber has experienced personally. She and her sister recently returned to 'Yalis for the first time as adults, where they had the opportunity to learn more about their culture and reconnect with their community.

“We just learned so much about our culture. It was deeply healing,” she says. “It just literally felt like I felt complete.”

This reconnection is something she hopes other Indigenous young people can experience, including those who step into the Jack Simpson Gym as future athletes.

“It’s amazing to have that visual representation already be there so they can come here and feel supported,” Webber says.

A lasting legacy

Holt says the impact of Webber’s advocacy will extend beyond her time at UCalgary.

“People move on from university and it’s not always easy to leave something positive behind and she will have done that — something bigger than whatever she will have achieved on the court,” he says.

Webber, who is completing her Bachelor of Education at UCalgary, says she hopes to bring her leadership experience and knowledge back to 'Yalis by eventually returning permanently.  

“I just need to be there, but I’m not done with my journey out here yet.” she says.