Brazil’s most prominent indigenous leader, Chief Raoni Metuktire, has voiced his strong opposition to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s plan to extract oil in the Amazon delta. The Chief’s remarks came during a ceremonial visit by Lula to the Xingu National Park, where Raoni has spent much of his life advocating for the preservation of the Amazon rainforest and the rights of indigenous peoples. The visit was meant to honor the Chief with Brazil’s highest national distinction, but it became a moment for Raoni to challenge the president’s controversial policy.
A Moment of Tension
Lula’s trip to Raoni’s village was an occasion of both celebration and tension. The chief, who has long been a symbol of indigenous resistance, used the opportunity to confront Lula about his government’s stance on the exploration of oil in the Amazon. “I know that, in the Amazon delta, you are thinking about the oil that is there under the sea,” said Raoni. “I think I don’t [should extract it], because those things, the way they are, guarantee that we have an environment with less pollution and less warming,” he continued, speaking in his native Kayapó language, with an interpreter translating his words into Portuguese.
Raoni, whose name is synonymous with the global indigenous rights movement, emphasized the spiritual and ecological significance of the region. As a shaman, he conveyed his deep concerns, stating, “I have contacted the spirits, who know the risks they have to continue working that way, to destroy, destroy and destroy,” referring to the potential consequences of oil extraction in such a delicate and biodiverse region.
Oil Reserves in the Amazon Delta: A Point of Contention
The oil fields located 500 kilometers off the coast of the Amazon delta have become a central issue for President Lula’s administration. Despite his international reputation as a defender of the environment, Lula has been openly supportive of the plans by the state-run oil company Petrobras to explore and extract oil in the area. This decision has sparked strong reactions from environmentalists, indigenous groups, and activists who see it as a grave threat to the region’s fragile ecosystem.
The conflict has put Lula in a difficult position as the COP30 climate summit approaches, which will be hosted by Brazil in November 2025. The summit is expected to highlight Brazil’s commitment to climate action, but the proposed oil drilling could undermine these efforts. Environmental organizations have warned that drilling in the Amazon delta would exacerbate climate change, not only by contributing to greenhouse gas emissions but also by risking irreversible damage to one of the world’s most important carbon sinks.
Despite these concerns, Petrobras remains eager to tap into the region’s vast oil reserves, and Lula has publicly expressed frustration with the slow pace of approval by his own environmental ministry. The ministry, tasked with ensuring that the oil exploration is done in a way that minimizes environmental harm, has faced delays in issuing permits, leading Lula to accuse officials of “making the partridge dizzy,” a phrase suggesting bureaucratic inefficiency.
Lula’s Response to Criticism
During his visit to Raoni’s village, President Lula maintained his composure in the face of the chief’s pointed criticism. Lula did not directly address the oil issue in his speech but instead focused on his administration’s work in supporting indigenous peoples. He highlighted efforts to expel illegal invaders from indigenous lands and the recognition of 13 new indigenous territories, which he framed as part of his government’s broader commitment to indigenous rights.
Lula also reiterated the importance of indigenous land rights, saying, “Those who complain that the indigenous people have a lot of land in Brazil, 14%, should not forget that, one day, the indigenous people had 100% of the national territory and that, therefore, they have the right to claim, fight and conquer the lands that are necessary to maintain the indigenous people, their culture and their tradition.”
However, while Lula’s words echoed a progressive vision for indigenous rights, his actions have often drawn criticism from figures like Raoni, who have become increasingly frustrated with the administration’s mixed signals on environmental protection. Raoni, who played a prominent role in supporting Lula’s election, has expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of progress on key environmental and indigenous issues, particularly the slow pace of land demarcation and the government’s support for large-scale infrastructure projects like the Ferrogrão railway.
Raoni’s Role in the Global Movement
Raoni Metuktire has long been a leading figure in the global indigenous rights movement. His activism has taken him to Europe, the United States, and beyond, where he has met with high-profile figures such as Sting and Angelina Jolie to raise awareness about the plight of the Amazon and its indigenous peoples. Raoni’s voice continues to resonate as one of the most powerful symbols of resistance against the destruction of the rainforest.
In addition to his advocacy, Raoni has been a prominent figure in raising awareness about the importance of protecting the Amazon. His efforts, particularly in lobbying world leaders, have garnered international support for indigenous land rights and environmental conservation.
Looking Ahead
As the conflict over oil extraction in the Amazon continues, President Lula faces a difficult balancing act. While his administration has made strides in advancing indigenous rights and environmental protection, Raoni’s criticism highlights the ongoing tensions between economic development and environmental preservation.
The upcoming COP30 summit will likely be a critical moment for Brazil to showcase its environmental commitments. However, with tensions surrounding oil exploration in the Amazon delta and other controversial policies, Lula’s green diplomacy may be challenged by the realities of balancing economic growth with the preservation of the environment.
Raoni, for his part, remains steadfast in his commitment to protecting the Amazon. He and other indigenous leaders continue to fight against what they see as threats to their land, culture, and way of life, hoping that their voices will lead to meaningful change in the face of mounting challenges.
