Amazon defense icon Chief Raoni diagnosed with cancer

• Indigenous leader Raoni Metuktire, 94, is receiving home palliative care following a digestive cancer diagnosis.
• The Kayapó chief is world-renowned for defending Indigenous rights and protecting the Amazon rainforest from deforestation.
• Awarded France's Legion of Honor in 2024, Raoni has consistently pressed global leaders, including President Lula, for land protection.

The Raoni Institute announced that prominent Brazilian Indigenous leader Raoni Metuktire has been diagnosed with digestive system cancer and is receiving home-based palliative care to manage his condition.

The announcement regarding the 94-year-old chief comes two months after he was discharged from the hospital following an extended period of medical treatment and observation after doctors confirmed the gastrointestinal cancer diagnosis.

Cacique Raoni, a paramount leader of the Kayapó people, stands as a global symbol for the defense of Indigenous rights and the protection of the Amazon rainforest from illegal logging and climate change.

International climate advocacy

Chief Raoni has maintained a high-profile presence on the global political stage throughout his decades of environmental defense.

In March 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron conferred the French Legion of Honor upon Raoni in recognition of his lifetime dedication to rainforest conservation.

Furthermore, the Indigenous leader has held multiple high-level meetings with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, advocating for both domestic and international policies to formalize the demarcation of Indigenous territories and curb deforestation in the Amazon basin.

Cultural significance of traditional Kayapó lip plate

Chief Raoni is known globally for his distinctive appearance, marked by a large, round wooden disc fitted into his lower lip—a deeply rooted tradition practiced by Kayapó men:

• Symbol of Prestige and Eloquence: The lip plate (labret) serves as a marker of high social status, bravery, and eloquence in speech, reserved for men who possess leadership skills and the ability to defend the tribe.
• Gradual Sizing: The lower lip is pierced during youth, and the wooden plates are progressively replaced with larger discs over time as the leader advances in age, wisdom, and standing among his people.