Indigenous leader Cacique Raoni, 94, is undergoing palliative care

Brazilian indigenous leader Cacique Raoni Metuktire, aged 94, is being treated for cancer of the digestive tract and receiving palliative care at his home in Peixoto de Azevedo, Mato Grosso state. This news was announced by the Raoni Institute on social media on September 14. Raoni has been hospitalized throughout 2026 for medical tests and has faced worsening health.

In June, he was moved to São Paulo due to a severe intestinal obstruction resulting from the tumor, following which he underwent a procedure at the Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp) hospital. This procedure established a new passage for food, improving his ability to eat and overall comfort. Subsequent tests confirmed the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma.

Given his age, clinical condition, and the risks associated with more aggressive treatments, the medical teams have opted for palliative care. This form of care focuses on managing pain and other symptoms, preventing complications, and enhancing quality of life. It encompasses medical and nursing assistance, physical therapy, and support for nutrition and hydration.

The statement also emphasizes the spiritual dimension, noting that Raoni, a shaman, continues to receive care from trusted shamans as part of an intercultural approach that respects his Mẽbêngôkre culture, language, choices, and spiritual beliefs. Cacique Raoni is a prominent indigenous leader in Brazil, having advocated for indigenous peoples, their territories, and the rainforest for decades.

His work has earned international recognition for his efforts in defending the Amazon and indigenous rights.