The name Raoni is associated with the mystery and the power of the Kayapo people. Chief Raoni initiated a cause for the last rainforests preservation and he has risked his life many times for this priceless world heritage.

Which specific year or day Raoni was born is unclear. It is believed he was born around 1932. He was born in a village called Krajmopyjakare— today known as Kapôt— in the heart of the Mato Grosso. His people are nomadic and as a Kapayo child, he was continually moving from place to place. When he was 15, Raoni started wearing a labret, an ornamental disk which warriors wear on their lower lip to indicate their willingness to die for their land. The size of the disk is gradually extended to reach its final size after 4 months.

A young film maker called Jean Pierre Dutilleux became fascinated by Raoni’s personality and charisma when they first met in 1973. Dutilleux returned a few years later with a documentary film project entitled Raoni. The documentary was presented at the 1977 Cannes Festival. It became a real success when Dutilleux managed to get Marlon Brando involved for the English version. Raoni was nominated for Academy Awards and screened at Los Angeles Mann’s Chinese Theatre. It was a hit in Brazil and Raoni became the most famous indigenous figure on the continent. He then became aware of the power Kritako (“the knife-blade man”— Dutilleux’s nickname) and his camera gave him. He could now share the Kayapo people’s concerns about the threat of deforestation on their environment.

In 1989, Raoni left Brazil for the first time and together with singer, Sting, made a plea for help. Most television stations broadcasted the message which was intended as a wakeup call that deforestation will not only destroy the last indigenous tribes, but jeopardizes everyone’s future.

In 1993, one of the largest tropical forest reservations was created in the Mato Grosso and Para states by Raoni’s campaign efforts. The G7 budget financed the establishment of all of the Amazon tribe demarcation in Brazil. Roani’s message and efforts have been supported by former French President Mitterand, former French President Chirac, Spanish King Juan Carlos, Prince Charles and His Holiness Pope John Paul II.

Chief Raoni Mektuktire is internationally recognised as a living symbol of the fight for the preservation of the Amazon rainforest and indigenous culture.