Erwin Kräutler, a Catholic bishop motivated by liberation theology, is one of Brazil's most important defenders of and advocates for the rights of indigenous peoples. Already in the 1980s, he helped secure the inclusion of 
indigenous peoples' rights into the Brazilian constitution. He also plays an important role in opposing one of South America's largest and most controversial energy projects: the Belo Monte dam on the Xingu River.
Last week he received the Right Livelihood Award "for outstanding vision and work on behalf of our planet and its people."
His acceptance speech and an interview appear on the Right Livelihood Award Web site.
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