CHANNEL ISLAND - A NATIONAL HERITAGE SITE
BOB WHITEFORD & MICHAEL MICHIE
INTRODUCTION
This unit introduces students to the various features of Channel Island which is located in Middle Arm of Darwin Harbour, about 10 km south of Darwin. This island is a familiar landmark in the region, and although small in area it is of special interest for two reasons.
Firstly, its natural environment includes a dense mangrove community fringing three sides of the island and a well-developed coral reef between the east side of the island and the mainland. Both are of ecological importance and even by themselves would make Channel Island a significant heritage site.
This unit will present some examples of how the ecosystems on Channel Island are related to other elements of the natural environment such as climate, tides and landforms. The text and accompanying illustrations, along with the suggested activities has been designed to develop an understanding of the nature of the mangrove and coral reef communities. You will have the opportunity to examine data that demonstrates how the mangroves and reef form a significant part of Darwin Harbour's marine environment.
Secondly, although the island has been used for a number of purposes over the years, it is most remembered as a, leprosarium - a place where patients suffering from the disease of leprosy were kept in compulsory isolation. As most of the patients were Aboriginal people, the island is linked not only with developments in medical knowledge but with the evolution of government policies in the area of Aboriginal health care.
The main historic events associated with the island are outlined in the text. The story of Channel Island will introduce readers to the idea that human behaviour is often based on a range of culturally constructed values. Activities centred on the island's history will give students an opportunity to develop fresh perceptions of time especially when it applies to comparatively recent events.
Individual and group activities which range from in classroom to extramural are included at the end of each section. Resources that will be of help in following this unit are also listed where appropriate.
