The theater at the Banco do Brasil Cultural Center (CCBB) in Brasília was packed on September 9, 2025, to welcome Ropni Mẽtyktire, Chief Raoni. A member of the Mẽbêngôkre people, known as the Kayapó, he presented his biography, entitled "Raoni – Memoirs of a Chief," a work that chronicles his life story, accomplishments, dreams, and worldview.
Recognized worldwide for his fight to defend Indigenous rights and peace, Raoni waged his struggle from the grassroots to the highest levels of power in Brazil and around the world. He always advocated dialogue as a path forward, demanding respect for Indigenous peoples and their rights.
Speaking in the traditional language, Mẽbêngôkre, the leader transformed the literary event into a kind of ritual. Amidst songs, speeches, and emotions, the occasion became a space for the transmission of knowledge in which memory, spirituality, and politics intertwined. And he, who is not only a leader but also a shaman, reaffirmed the message that guides his trajectory: there is no separation between memory, spirituality, and politics. Everything converges on the path of well-being.
"I tell my people to respect white people, and just as I tell your authorities to respect our people as well. Because I just want us to live well and in peace with one another. My words are for our well-being. Mark my words, because they are only for our well-being," the chief stated.
Orality as a guiding thread
The book is the result of five years of work, coordinated by the Raoni Institute in partnership with Companhia das Letras and supported by the Institute for Society, Population and Nature (ISPN) and the Socio-Environmental Institute (ISA). The biography was created based on conversations between Raoni and his grandchildren and family, recorded by filmmaker Simone Giovine. Transcriptions were made by his grandchildren Beptuk Mẽtyktire, Patxon Mẽtyktire, and Paymu Txucarramãe, and edited by anthropologist Fernando Niemeyer. The process involved not only recording but also cultural translation, an exercise in faithfulness to the grandfather's words and, at the same time, the passing of knowledge between generations.
"In the interviews, Grandpa told us things we didn't even know about our culture and our first contacts with white people. He recounted experiences he had with people who were with him, such as during the Constituent Assembly," reported Patxon Mẽtyktire.
“This book with so many stories will serve future Kayapó generations who will not have the opportunity to meet our grandfather,” said Paymu.
Beptuk summarized: "The book becomes a means of knowledge. When our grandfather is gone, we will be his museum. Read it carefully and with affection, for it is a lesson in living well in this world."
The grandchildren's statements also revealed their commitment to keeping their grandfather's thoughts alive: "In the translation, we were careful not to lose the original meaning. It was a learning experience that also brought us closer to our own culture," Patxon added.
Spirituality and politics as one voice
When narrating his life, Raoni doesn't separate spirituality from politics. His visions as a shaman, his encounters with forest spirits, and his relationship with nature are intertwined with the struggle for the demarcation of Indigenous lands. Anthropologist Fernando Niemeyer, who also attended the launch, noted that the chief never stopped speaking from his Mẽbêngôkre worldview, even when speaking with heads of state or in major international forums. For the anthropologist, Raoni's power is so great that it makes him a reference that transcends time.
"I think Raoni is eternal; he will be remembered centuries from now. Just being around him makes you feel the strength he carries. The spiritual place he accesses as a shaman is very important to his political activity," he said.
Niemeyer also explained that, for Raoni, defending the territory also means protecting the spiritual beings that inhabit the forest, rivers, and animals. This is a cosmological vision that goes beyond the Western concept of "environment" and points to the interdependence and collaboration between humans, spirits, and nature.
Living memory for indigenous and non-indigenous people
A celebratory Mẽbêngôkre song sung by the grandchildren and family members present marked the end of the event. More than a closing gesture, it communicated that the Indigenous struggle is collective and anchored in culture and spirituality. Between personal memories and shared narratives, the biography reinforces that dialogue, respect, and understanding of others are paths to peace. A lesson that transcends cultural boundaries.
"We are very proud to have supported the publication of Raoni's book. More than a personal account, it is a document of collective value that will contribute to the learning and inspiration of future generations, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous," said Fábio Vaz, executive coordinator of ISPN.
To purchase a copy of the book, visit the Companhia das Letras website.