Les Schultz

Les Schultz is a Ngadju traditional custodian, native title holder, and Founder and Chair of Ngadju Conservation Aboriginal Corporation.

Les pioneered the Indigenous Ranger Program in Ngadju country to help keep his country, culture, and language strong. He is passionate about building a Ngadju Conservation System to represent Ngadju Traditional Owners on all conservation land management matters, including planning, training, and the development of ‘On Country’ employment and economic development opportunities.

Les has been instrumental in establishing the first Indigenous Protected Area in south-western Australia, and in developing fire management programs across the Great Western Woodlands He  has co-authored several publications on Ngajdu Kala, including Ngadju Kala: Ngadju fire knowledge and contemporary fire management in the Great Western Woodlands, as well as a Ngajumaya field guide currently in development with the Goldfields Aboriginal Language Centre.

In May 2023 Les, as Chair of Ngadju Conservation Aboriginal Corporation, was one of more than 1000 First Nations delegates at the 22nd session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the largest international gathering of Indigenous peoples. He has been a strong First Nations voice at a number of national and international gatherings, and in a few days will be flying to the COP29 on Climate Change in Azerbaijan.