Raoni Metuktire

Raoni Metuktire is a prominent Indigenous Brazilian leader and environmentalist known for his work in preserving the Amazon rainforest and Indigenous culture. Born in 1932, Raoni hails from the Kayapo people and has emerged as a global symbol of environmental activism. His early encounters with the outside world in the 1950s propelled him into the spotlight, leading to collaborations with renowned figures like Sting and initiatives like the Rainforest Foundation.

Despite facing challenges such as the Belo Monte Dam project, Raoni’s advocacy has garnered international recognition, receiving the Alternative Nobel Prize in 1989 and Time Magazine’s “Hero of the Planet” distinction in 1990. In 2020, Raoni was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize alongside Greta Thunberg. With his participation in the Brazilian presidential inauguration of 2023, Raoni continues to publicly champion the cause of environmental preservation and Indigenous rights.