Harbledown Island facts for kids

Harbledown Island is a cool island located off the coast of British Columbia, Canada. It's found in a part of the province called the Central Coast region. This island sits at the western end of a narrow waterway known as Johnstone Strait. It's also right on the eastern edge of the Queen Charlotte Strait area.

Harbledown Island has some interesting neighbors! To its west is Hanson Island. To the south and southeast, across a channel called Baronet Passage, you'll find West Cracroft Island. And if you look to the northwest, across another channel called Beware Passage, you'll see Turnour Island.

Indigenous Communities on Harbledown Island

Harbledown Island has been home to Indigenous peoples for a very long time. Today, there are special areas on the island known as Indian Reserves. These are lands set aside for the use and benefit of First Nations communities.

One of these areas is called Aglakumna Indian Reserve No. 4A. It's also known as Aglakumna 4. This reserve is about 4.1 hectares in size and is managed by the Tlowitsis Nation. You can find it on the south side of the island, right at the western entrance to Baronet Passage.

Another important place is the village of New Vancouver. Its traditional name is Tzatsisnukomi. This village is located at a spot called Dead Point, on the north side of Harbledown Island. It's at the western end of Beware Passage and is part of Dead Point Indian Reserve No. 5.

A Glimpse into Harbledown Island's Past

Harbledown Island has a bit of history tied to early European settlement and services.

In the mid-1800s, a mission called St. Michael's Mission was set up on the island. This happened sometime after August 1863. It was started by a person named Father Pandosy. Later, another person named Father Fouquet helped run it. The mission eventually closed in 1874.

Later, in 1902, a post office opened on Harbledown Island. This made it easier for people living there to send and receive mail. A school was also built on the island in 1910, which was important for the children living there to get an education. However, the Harbledown Post Office closed its doors on May 13, 1923.

How Harbledown Island Got Its Name

Have you ever wondered how places get their names? Harbledown Island was likely named in 1865 by a Captain Pender. He was exploring and mapping these waters at the time.

It's thought that he named the island after a village in England called Harbledown, Kent. This village is near a famous city called Canterbury. It's possible that one of Captain Pender's officers came from Harbledown, Kent, and that's how the island got its name!