Honor is a recognition for the defense of the rights of indigenous peoples, the Amazon rainforest and the environment
The President of the Republic (PT) signed on Thursday (3.br.2025) the decree granting chief Raoni Metuktire, indigenous leader of the Kayapó people, the Grand Cross and National Order of Merit. The measure was published in the Official Gazette. Here A (PDF – 144kb).
The honor is a recognition for the services provided in defense of the rights of indigenous peoples, the Amazon rainforest and the environment. The decoration is one of the highest in the country and honors personalities that contributed significantly to the Brazilian nation.
This Friday (4.abr), President Lula meets with Chief Raoni Metuktir and other indigenous leaders in the Xingu National Park in Mato Grosso.
During the meeting, Lula will also discuss issues related to the rights of indigenous peoples and environmental preservation. Cacique Raoni Metuktire, 93, is one of the leading representatives of the indigenous cause on the international scene. In 2023, he was one of the prominent guests to accompany President Lula on the rise of the ramp during the inauguration ceremony.1
There will be a ceremony, scheduled for 13h, for the delivery of the Grand Cross Medal of the National Order of Merit to the indigenous leader.
Cacique Raoni
Born in 1932, the leader of the Kayapó people gained worldwide projection for his firm action in defending the rights of the original peoples and the preservation of the Amazon. His career was the subject of the documentary Raoni, directed by Belgian Jean-Pierre Dutillleux, nominated for the Oscar in 1978. The indigenous leader received from France President Emmanuel Macron in March 2024, the National Order of the Legion of Honor, the country’s largest honor to foreigners.
On the last Wednesday (2.abr), Cacique Raoni met with the actress and activist on a visit by the artist to talk to the indigenous peoples about the challenges for the preservation of the forest and to express support for the protection of the Amazon and the defense of the rights of the original peoples.
