The Beginning…
The area in which the Island resides has always been home to a special species of man. This new species was highly developed both mentally and physically and had evolved with the Island itself over many millennia. The Island is a being itself and has a consciousness that manifests itself in many ways. Smokey is a way for it check the the motives and souls of island visitors, the visions and whispers are ways for it to communicate and to get its messages across when its needed. The Island has magnetic healing qualities that enables long lives and a sound mental/physic abilities.

Found
The Island was first discovered by early maritime explorers and then later by Magnus Hanso. The DHARMA initiative were tasked by the governments of the world to learn about the island and conduct all manner of experiments for the greater good of humanity and the very uncertain future of mankind.

Many global corporations invested into the initiative. The Hanso organisation was the main player, acting as the parent organisation and hoping to benefit out of the medical and scientific discoveries of the Island. The button was brought in to stop outsiders seeing the island and to provide a control mechanism for the scientists that were now studying the new species of man and its environment.

The button pushers were never aware of what experiments were being done on the island and in my opinion never had any knowledge of the Islands activities. Hence the blast door map. These first button pushers were primarily military/CIA personnel. The natives are told that one part of the Island now has a virus that is fatal to them only. This area is the DHARMA safe zone (The Swan station). The Natives have had it ingrained into their Island beliefs that this part of the Island is bad and therefore the swan station is kept safe. Thus the Natives leave this station well alone. Not really knowing its purpose.

The Good ‘Ol Days
For the first few years the natives of the Island and the Scientists worked together. The Natives soon picked up the western ways of the scientists, learning English, Science and all manner of subjects. The natives ability to read and learn so quickly amazed the DHARMA scientists. Their psychic abilities were unheard of in the western world.

Clearly the natives were far superior than the mere mortal scientists. Their thirst for knowledge was insatiable. Over time the scientists managed to breed, learn and live with the natives in perfect harmony. The two societies becoming one, each helping each other for the better of mankind.

Numbers
The island broadcasted the numbers to ensure people would come and help it heal itself or rid itself of the hatch.

Problems
As time went on the organisations wanted to start seeing some return on their investment. This is when things started to go bad. The scientists were under pressure from Hanso (etc) to provide results of their experiments, the scientists managed to keep them at bay with such experiments at the Hydra, Zoology and other stations. But really Hanso wanted the one thing the Natives had always had. Long Life. Teaching them the cultures, religions and laws of the outside world the Natives (who now have a very good understanding of the way the outside world lives) become uncomfortable.

A world full of murderers, corruption, money and an initiative that is slowly starting to take over their lives more and more. Their home Island now becoming nothing more than a circus for DHARMA and Hanso to prod and test the ancient civilisation.

Hanso reaped the benefits whilst forgetting about the ones that are truly important. Eventually the demanding of new experiments and tests on natives to find out their secrets is the straw that breaks the camel's back. The revolt starts (the incident). Many of the experiments are sent haywire by the natives using both their new found knowledge and now highly toned abilities. Creatures are let loose, supplies gathered and some scientists join the islanders and vow to protect them for anymore of civilisation.

After banishing the DHARMA initiative they systematically assess the island and ensure that should they ever have any other visitors again, this time they will be prepared. This means turning all of the DHARMA initiative equipment, surveillance and technology against any would be visitors.

Visitors
The Island has a strong magnetic property. However, I'm a firm believer that the Island looks after itself. If it requires more souls then it will send out for the right people. In addition to this, the Islanders are used to people coming to the Island. It's their job to either bring them into the fold or leave them to their own devices. This is an easy thing to do with one or two people. I believe some people would be integrated into the community. However, a majority of them end up being experimented on by the Natives so they can learn about us as we did them.

The Losties!
Our beloved Losties are the Islands saviour. They were brought to the Island to help the others and the island itself. They all have particular abilities but the one thing they have that all the DHARMA scientists never had is no agenda. They are simply there because it is the will of the Island. The Natives are aware that the Island helps them out but they need to be sure they are the right ones. One mistake would be devastating to their culture and way of life. They are well read and adapt at social psychology. This enables them to be sure about who there letting into the civilisation before its too late.

The Children
The children are the future of the Island. They will be brought up within the island culture and will be unaware of the outside world. They are protected by the Natives at all costs and are hidden well away from the prying eyes of Losties and other Native folk. They are the secret to the Island. They ensure long life for both residents and the Island itself.

The Hatch Implosion
I believe the hatch implosion has had a profound effect on the state of the Island. The hatch was built over the very heart of the Island. I believe the Islands abilities or at least some of them have been absorbed by some of our fellow losties. I suspect that the Island is not happy anymore and may require EVERYONE to leave it. Sort of, you can’t live together then you cant live here at all. The termination of the hatch has also allowed outsiders to detect the Island albeit for a split second.

The Others/Natives
These guys are the good guys. As far as they're concerned. They are simply protecting everything they have ever known. They are guardians of the Islands secrets. I am also of the belief that Ben is an original Native descendent and is of an age that is unparalleled; out on a whim I’m going to say that he’s the equivalent of 100 years in our years. This would explain his skills and ability to remember vast amount of text and information, tactical strategies and psychological techniques. Juliet is a crash survivor from previously or possibly an ex DHARMA scientist. I said 100 years in our years because I do believe Time is a factor on the Island. I’m not sure how though…yet!!!

I do not believe the Others have access to information from the outside world. TV’s and satellite connections may be in place due to Dharma. But I do not believe they have outside contacts.