Jonah Ryan is a proud Bininj man from Maningrida in Western Arnhem Land. As the first ranger dedicated to the Northern Land Council’s Learning on Country program, Jonah guides students towards purposeful, achievable futures in their transition from school into accredited training and employment.
Jonah helps students understand what is possible through hands-on conservation projects, marine operations and traditional ecological knowledge rooted in culture.
To broaden the impact of his leadership, Jonah was appointed to the Maningrida Learning on Country Steering Committee to help guide the strategic direction and governance of the program across 14 remote communities in Northern Australia.
Speaking multiple Indigenous languages including Burrarra, Kune, Kriole and Djinang as well as English, Jonah is widely respected for his ability to connect with students, educators, elders and rangers alike.
Jonah’s transformational influence and passion is helping to improve local school attendance, increasing engagement in vocational training and growing the presence of Indigenous youth in environmental careers.