Key facts
- Chief Raoni Metuktire, 94, has been diagnosed with aggressive cancer of the digestive system.
- The diagnosis was confirmed after he was hospitalized in June for an intestinal obstruction.
- He is currently receiving palliative care at home in Brazil.
- Palliative care focuses on controlling pain, preventing complications, and ensuring quality of life.
- Chief Raoni has been a global advocate for Indigenous rights and Amazon rainforest protection for decades.
Chief Raoni Metuktire, a globally recognized Indigenous leader and staunch advocate for the Amazon rainforest and Indigenous rights, has been diagnosed with aggressive cancer of the digestive system. The 94-year-old leader is currently receiving palliative care at his home in Brazil.
The diagnosis was confirmed after Chief Raoni was hospitalized in June due to a severe intestinal obstruction caused by an advanced-stage tumor. He underwent surgery in Sao Paulo to address the obstruction, after which medical teams recommended palliative care due to his age, clinical condition, and the high risks associated with aggressive oncological treatments.