Malcolm King, an esteemed researcher in Indigenous health, delivered a message of humility and interconnectedness during his acceptance of an honorary doctor of laws degree during a York University Spring Convocation ceremony, June 18.
Chris Ardern, interim dean of the Faculty of Health, introduced King, recognizing his strides in Indigenous public health and advocacy for culturally appropriate care. King is a citizen of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and has played a vital role in building the Indigenous health workforce and promoting community engagement in health research.
Currently a health researcher at the University of Saskatchewan, he has previously served in many leadership positions including the scientific director of the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) Institute of Aboriginal Peoples’ Health.
Speaking to graduands from the Faculty of Health and the Faculty of Science, King addressed the importance of embracing cultural teachings amid contemporary challenges.
King opened his address by introducing himself in the Ojibwe language, highlighting the significance of reclaiming Indigenous cultures and languages.
Sharing insights from the Seven Sacred Teachings rooted in Indigenous cultures across the Americas, he emphasized the teachings' commonalities across cultures. Each of the sacred teachings are associated with a particular animal, he explained: love, represented by the eagle; respect, symbolized by the buffalo; honesty, by the raven; bravery, by the bear; wisdom, by the beaver; humility, by the wolf; and truth, by the turtle.
Giving particular focus to the sacred teaching of humility, King said “Humility really means recognizing one's sacred role in creation, living a selfless life and avoiding arrogance or self-importance.”
He noted that while many see humility as a weakness, it’s an important trait that demonstrates strength. King reflected on his early career as a respiratory health researcher, where he experienced a culture that celebrated aggressiveness. He encouraged graduands to stay true to their values, even when faced with societal pressures.
King juxtaposed his experiences in academia with a reference to popular culture, noting the themes of recent adaptations of Wicked and The Wizard of Oz. He identified the need for humility in these narratives, stating that the lack of humility can obscure important moral lessons.
In his reference of The Wizard of Oz, he illustrated the interconnectedness of the Seven Sacred Teachings and the symbolism within that is still relevant today.
The Scarecrow, for instance, represents farmers; the Tin Man symbolizes industrial workers and the theme of humanity; the Cowardly Lion reflects William Jennings Bryan, a Populist Party leader in the U.S. in the 1890s; and the wizard symbolizes the president. He noted the Tin Man's journey shows the importance of love and caring, as he learns to have a heart, ultimately aiding Dorothy in her quest against evil.
King used this example to emphasize that moral integrity should always prevail, regardless of challenges.
“To appreciate, create and maintain diversity, one requires humility, to recognize that each of us are only one of many, and each are equally relevant and valid,” he said. He urged students to remember the interconnectedness of all beings and to balance love, respect, honesty, bravery, wisdom, truth and humility.
In concluding his address, King encouraged the graduands to express their truth, be brave and use their wisdom wisely. “Through humility, we can achieve a better world that will allow all of us to be what we were meant to be,” he said.