A director of a prominent Indigenous group in the Kimberley has stood down from the position as he faces allegations of historical child sex offences while he was a teenager.

Police have charged Miriwoong elder Edward "Ted" Carlton with two counts of unlawful carnal knowledge of a child under 16.

Police said Mr Carlton was aged between 17 and 19 at the time of the alleged incidents.

The offending is alleged to have taken place between July 2, 1972 and December 31, 1973 in the East Kimberley hub of Kununurra.

A Kununurra Magistrates Court spokesperson said Mr Carlton appeared last week for legal advice and was granted bail with conditions.

More detail about the alleged offending is expected to come to light as the matter progresses through court over the coming months.

Due to the historical nature of the alleged offending, police said the charge had been laid using the wording of the offence at the time.

No plea entered

Mr Carlton has been a director of Kununurra's main traditional owner group, MG Corporation, since 2017.

MG Corporation executive chair Lawford Benning provided a short statement to the ABC about the allegations faced by Mr Carlton.

"While this matter is under investigation, Ted has decided to step down until it is resolved. We are unable to comment on matters that are under police investigation," he said.

The Indigenous advocate regularly welcomes politicians and dignitaries to Kununurra at special events on behalf of local traditional owners.

Mr Carlton has not yet entered a plea and is due to face court again next month.