Macron awards Chief Raoni highest honor of France
On Tuesday (Mar. 26), French President Emmanuel Macron awarded the National Order of the Legion of Honor to the indigenous leader of the Kayapó ethnic group, Chief Raoni Metuktire. It is the highest honor granted by France to its citizens and to foreigners who stand out for their activities on the global stage.
The award was instituted on May 20, 1802, by Napoleon Bonaparte.
Raoni Metuktire, 92, has dedicated his life to defending the Amazon and the peoples of the forest, and is widely recognized internationally. From the village of Kraimopry-yaka, where he was born, the chief has traveled the world calling for peace and has spoken with various personalities, such as Pope Francis and UK King Charles III.
On his first official visit to Brazil, President Macron will land today in Belém, the capital of the northern state of Pará, where he will be received by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Both will carry out an extensive bilateral agenda over the next few days in Brazil, covering issues such as the environment, defense, and the reform of multilateral organizations. The European is also expected to visit Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Brasília.
In Belém, the presidents will accompany the artisanal and sustainable production of cocoa in a forest region. They will also meet with indigenous representatives, on which occasion President Macron should give the award to Chief Raoni.
