Fogo Island: A far away comeback story

A small island off the coast of Newfoundland is redefining itself with the help of a local businesswoman who combined deep pockets with a deep appreciation for the island's past.
#60Minutes #News #FogoIsland
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[@johnbrowne2170]

She's a genuine Newfoundland hero. We love her.

[@chuckkottke]

"What are we optimizing for ? We're optimizing for place, we're optimizing for community ". Very well said! Optimize for harmony, happiness, tranquility, and home is heaven.💙

[@hlcotten6587]

At 55 years of age, and taking a more reflective look at life, and it’s true meaning. I watched every single minute of this broadcast with the one thing I concluded at first. “One person, can make a difference in preserving the most precious things in life, and building a pathway to the future”.✨💎💎💎✨

[@lissawick2171]

Yea, “the question becomes… ‘’what are we optimizing for’’?’

[@Littlemouse884]

So true look at Dian Fossey

[@guydefontgalland3860]

Absolutely thrilled to view this video. My wife and I spent a week in Fogo island in July 1982, along with a good friend from New Foundland. We were so warmly welcome and treated like family members. It was such a wonderful experience and the people of Fogo Island were so precious that it is impossible for us to forget those few days in such a remote and peaceful paradise. God bless all the Fogo islanders and may they all be happy for ever.

[@tammyburke9453]

Great comment

[@jennodine]

I second that.

[@debbra-lyn]

I’m an African and I just love this story … she is incredible ♥️

[@gr3ngre3n]

Thank you so much, I am 11 and I live in fogo island tilting

[@gwinterboer]

Great story. With so much hate and tragedy in the news we need more of these dominating headlines.

[@billstill1794]

You call this "dominating"? lol!

[@Querencia7779]

What a beautiful soul she is! I’m deeply, deeply touched by her; along with her father and mother. It’d make a fabulous writers retreat. Attract writers and those who understand that land this loved, and stories this grounded…heals.

[@billbigshlong382]

Deeply

[@tammyburke9453]

OMG, she exudes compassion from every cell. Incredibly inspirational and uplifting. I coukd watch this over and over. Love this story!!!

[@kathypichey4306]

Were you talking to OR GOD JUST TAKING HIS NAME IN VAIN!? HAVE A BLESSED DAY

[@carmellewis2466]

@kathy picher ...your statement's very sad and not very christian. May God forgive you.

[@afdchocolatemilk2107]

@@kathypichey4306 Bless your heart.

[@johngore7744]

@@kathypichey4306OMG Could also mean Oh My Goodness

[@jjboyd01]

smart lady, giving back what she learned.

[@johnnymeyer4253]

Smart but greedy and out-of-touch when it comes to pricing. Just my take....

[@13MAM13]

What an impressive woman. I wish more people in her position thought the way she does.

[@hlcotten6587]

Absolutely….✨

[@esterhudson5104]

Why? Isn’t her type that has Goldman and Starbucks in there in a blink?

[@13MAM13]

@@esterhudson5104 😄 she could have just bought a mansion in LA and let her old town rot in despair, I suppose. That might make some people happy.

[@computron5824]

You want more people to build an inn that charges $2,000 a night with a three night minimum stay?

[@13MAM13]

@@computron5824 Just because you are broke, it’s bad?

[@mauriceharp1454]

Over the years I've been fortunate enough to meet many folks from Newfoundland (Newfies) and I can tell you first hand that they've brought much joy and happiness to my life! They are not only the most hospitable people I've ever met their love of life and having fun is contagious. It's too bad that your story didn't capture their wonderful accent. I don't know if I'll ever get to Fogo Island but I will be visiting The Rock one day - it's the number one item on my bucket list! Thanks 60 Minutes.

[@shivadizayin]

This is such an uplifting story. I found myself smiling the way through. I love the bit where she says hospitality is loving a stranger. She did an amazing job by giving back to her community, to bring it back to life, or rather to let it keep living on.

[@terriestapley5475]

What a lovely comment, I agree completely…

[@shivadizayin]

@@terriestapley5475 😃😃☺️

[@commonsense571]

I LOVE THIS WOMAN!! I cannot wait for the opportunity to see her magical island and love those islanders✨ Cod is my absolute favorite and always has been and these really seem like my kind of folks. My happy place✨💜✨ I wish I could afford to live there.

[@russellloveland1214]

It warms my heart to see a tiny village find away to survive. Would love to visit here one day

[@waterfordrs22]

Newfoundland is well worth a visit. Spectacular place, great people.

[@ronahlstedt6045]

My wife and I stayed at the Fogo Island Inn for four nights 2 summer ago. What a wonderful place. The people are so friendly. We will never forget it.

[@rayc9899]

It is a lovely Island, and they have a gorgeous hotel...all the bed have homemade quilt by the people on this Island, so cozy and a warm welcome so say the least.

[@thecrafteaneighbor5177]

My Mom is from Newfoundland and we lived there for a few years when my Dad was stationed his 2nd time at the Naval base in Argentia. I was six. It was a very happy time in my life visiting my Fisherman Grandfather's farm. I didnt realize at the time it was the beginning of the end of the fishing and the really simple living that the woman in the beginning of this spoke of. Due to that experience, I have often thought the kids of today no longer understand the best living you can have. There wasnt much materially, but more of an intrinsic value that only simple living can bring. I sure have missed that.

[@BrandyD1777]

I am in awe of what she did, does, accomplish. She never let her long term goal for this beautiful island to be sustained & keep the generations of family able to come home or see where it all began. She seemingly renewed the waters. Strong, determined, ambitious woman 👍❤️

[@daren6684]

MARYLANDER here! This island reminds me of Smith Island , set in the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland! Crabbing is big on Smith Island. The residents were originally English, and Methodist! There is a church on Smith Island but zero bars! Watermen settled on Smith Island. They have a restaurant, food served family style! Maryland's 11 layer Smith Island cake is also made here! 🤗🥰🌊⚓⛵🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀

[@Gabington_III_esquire]

I am proud to say that I live on Fogo island, and I know most of the people from “foleys shed.” (the elderly lady that sang and shook hands ran over my friends grandmother but she survived)

[@mrs.rogers7582]

What does the hotel do with the black water waste?? Also all the waste generated by such a huge hotel.

[@Gabington_III_esquire]

I don’t know I’m only 13 but they probably have a septic tank that gets emptied occasionally

[@marxtr6]

Thought they said it was only 29 rooms

[@joycesvarvar]

The world needs more people like that. Interesting and inspiring.

[@classicrocker889]

I Really Respect Her because She achieved Great Success and Wealth and went back Home to Help them Grow again. ALMIGHTY GOD BLESS HER and the People of Fogo Island .

[@destinationsroadslesstraveled]

I hitch-hiked across Canada to Nova Scotia to catch the all night ferry to Newfoundland. Never made it to Fogo Island but was not far from there. I have very fond memories of traveling around Newfoundland in 1976.

[@susannechakan4939]

Amazing story about a beautiful community of people. Much respect to the woman who came back to help. I'm going to look that artist community place there. I would love to do a solo meditation retreat here 💞

[@kathrynsinclare8459]

Oh this story of hope and promise brought tears to my eyes, and I’m not even from there. That my friend is a story well told.

[@Papin47]

"We are optimizing for community" At least in Fogo Island that sentiment seems authentic and true. Kudos to Ms Cobb!

[@BrandyD1777]

Beautiful story in today's world. Great community....this is where I wish I could be, retire & still work within the community, the fishery, welcoming the visitors. Just beautiful ❤️

[@halspencer6613]

Newfoundlander's music is like a sickness, but you'll not die from it, only improve with it. It's a great genre and infectious.

[@CommanderViper2003]

It's amazing what money can do when it's spent thoughtfully ... wow!

[@bigger_picture322]

Powerful lady indeed power to the women 💯

[@elvenkind6072]

This remind me so much of the place I grew up at, on the west coast of Norway. The architecture, boats and fish are all just like over here. The people also look alike. I'd love to live there. I was stupid enough to think life would be more exiting in the city at a youth and now I'm kind of stuck here.

[@stevecook7551]

You know you mean something to them when a Newfoundlander says to you " I see you've come home from away " . I was told this by the grandfather of a very dear friend many years ago . He's gone now but I cherish those words , " home from away" .

[@kc4699]

it's such a beautiful expression. i wish more people around the world understood what it means. it's very powerful, in my opinion.

[@TM-yn4iu]

Great historical backdrop on this seemingly wonderful place. The challenges that created a hardship now remind me of so many beautiful and simple worlds - all becoming the harbor for an elite group. Granted, islanders are profiting from this and rightfully so. This, just the world today everywhere. I'm unfortunate/fortunate geographically to have been and still living in such a spot, sad for those now moving or struggling in that spot. Wish all well

[@fogogo]

What a lovely name! Fogo’s have been go-getters all of our lives. ❤️

[@anovemberstar]

Love how she really considered the impact on the community from all angles, snd any unintentional consequences.

[@mysterymayhem7020]

A simple statement by a loving father carries so much weight. His words changed the future of Fogo for the better.

[@shortmeister4321]

I LOVE this! Its such a positive and hopeful story. What a blessing this native woman has brought. Her father would be SO proud!

[@mattmayo3539]

As an Irish bar area resident I love this.

[@juniorjohnson5961]

Does she live their ?

[@TheAwkwardSalmon]

I had the pleasure of visiting beautiful Fogo Island in August 2023 during a road trip across all of Canada. Newfoundland is one of the most beautiful provinces in Canada and Fogo Island was a special place for me since I saw my very first iceberg while I visited. Before I left, I remember seeing some kids riding around on their bicycles. It was a beautiful scene since they were only 10 or 11 years old and it looked like they were having fun. I hope those kids have the chance to stay and live a good life on the island. I really, really hope they don’t have to move away because they can’t afford to live where they grew up. I hope for the best! Much love from BC

[@dawnparker9884]

Beautiful. We stayed on Fogo this past June. The people are so welcoming. A magical place ❤️

[@judyhead3502]

Fascinating little island!

[@jayjayn007]

I'm fascinated by her accent. Certainly not a standard Canadian accent. I believe some remote communities keep their original accents, like Irish or West Country British accents in such communities.

[@maymei6742]

Well done lady, she deserve a title/ knighted

[@CanadaFree.6014]

Hubby and I visited Fogo Island a few years ago in our campervan. We spent a few days exploring this beautiful island. The hospitality and friendliness of the people was heart warming.

[@RH-jh9uo]

What a wonderful story. I do hope with my heart and soul this will last forever. It brings me such joy to know there are still wonderful good people in the world who have made good money, but lend there funds and skills to help a larger number of people. If the country had more of these people, the world would truly be a better place. God bless and keep all of you, I don't know you but I love you.

[@tammyburke9453]

So true. How do other ppl make soooooo much $$$$ and never engage anyone or anything beyond themselves? So freaky trying to amass more and more $$$ to "just have it"? I dont get that mindset. Help. Create. Ease. Thats what i would do just like her! Good job

[@drjethrowski1225]

Fantastic! Can you imagine when the residents learned, "Yes, these people will pay $2000 a night to meet you..." And it's worth it.

[@NinjaBooKitty]

I would love to stay here but I could never afford $2000.

[@suzannebrown2505]

Beautiful and loving way to give back and return to a wonderful past. I love it! 😍💖

[@Peasant_in_a_tree]

I like her. You can tell shes a genuine person. Down to earth

[@richielew261997]

she learnt to be noble just like the fish she talked about. god bless you all in fogo island

[@GrahamsYouTube]

I'm Irish and I can hear the mix of southern east coast accents, definitely on the visit list

[@Truthwillalwayswinoverlies]

The majority of them are of Irish Gael blood Tál 🇮🇪

[@brooklynrocks2396]

She is amazing and wonderful. Bless her, her love for the community and the people of Fogo.

[@davidnyc487]

Tilting is a little community on Fogo island and the people there have a strong Irish accent, their ancestors came from Tipperary, Wexford and Waterford 😊

[@huil.6823]

‘What are we optimizing for?’ Beautiful mind, beautiful heart

[@theweatherisaokay4964]

What a beautiful story. The falls and rise of a place she belongs. Nice sharing.

[@tordyclark]

COd was overfished all over the Atlantic. I England too. So much that it became rare and no fishing was allowed until the cod population increased. Most people don't realize that the whole of the eastern seaboard of Canada and New England was founded on cod-fishing, which fed poor people and slaves and so on. Cod was king as it was free and abundant food. That's why so many places are "new" England - New York, New Hampshire, New Gloucester, from the original English places called the same thing. All the fishing was by hand at first, people literally rowing the north Atlantic from England to Canada. Then the trawlers came and everything changed. f you really want to discover how important Cod was, read: Cod, by Mark Kurlansky. It's fascinating.

[@vanzarockin]

Excellent comment. I remember my grandfather cursing the factory trawlers and him saying one day cod may become extinct. His parents left Fogo Island, for Boston, where my great-grandfather was a sea pilot.

[@goobfilmcast4239]

A person on their way to true self-actualization....magnificent !

[@chonkontheroad4649]

I am presently touring Newfoundland and just spent four days on Fogo Island, what a beautiful place, so peaceful and the colours make it such a comfort.

[@pattimaeda6097]

How expensive was it?

[@chonkontheroad4649]

@@pattimaeda6097 I'm travelling by motor home so from my point of view is was very reasonable, as always, islands are a bit more expensive but nothing outrageous. The Inn is definitely not in my budget as $2000.00 per night to start is not something I would ever consider.

[@nata3467]

I LOVE this place. The shed party is amazing.

[@MrPerfesser]

Atlantic Canada isn't easy to get to - and it's overlooked by Americans. It's an amazing place with an incredible history. Once you've been there, that sense of history and hospitality never leaves you, and you want to return again and again.

[@oneirishpoet]

Sure if you have lots and lots of money 💰

[@MrPerfesser]

@@oneirishpoet Halifax and the rest of Atlantic Canada are surprisingly affordable. Far less expensive than NY or Boston or DC. And the US dollar is much stronger than the CAD.

[@MrPerfesser]

@@oneirishpoet Halifax and most of the rest of Atlantic Canada are quite affordable.

[@marigoldpluss]

💖 Nova Scotia

[@Earthbound369]

I spent a summer in Newfoundland with a friend. It didn't cost me much. Beautiful place, lovely people. It helps if you love fish & chips.

[@yourhappyuncle6055]

$2000 US dollar for the cheapest room... So expensive to invite people to visit the island

[@travis303]

2,000 per night. Goodness, I understand the motivation. Have to bring money into the island, but at the same time I guess that "hospitality" she was talking about the island is famous for is only for the richest 1 percent of the world.

[@dproukous1570]

Amazing woman! Her business philosophy deems her a rare leader that folks can trust

[@aviedeexiong9035]

Absolutely inspiring!!!

[@wenniferjay903]

Awesome, impressive, compassionate, intelligent, beautiful lady inside and out lady❤. Love this story.

[@CrystalG-cu2rk]

Zita Cobb should receive a Nobel Prize! Such a heartwarming story, makes me proud to be Canadian!

[@TwoMilesAwayWildlife]

Newfoundland is a wonderful place. So glad I was able to visit and would happily return.

[@willymueller3278]

I loved Woods Island, at the entrance to Corner Brook, spent some time there with my sailboat. Beautiful !

[@happyhound6561]

What an amazing story. Thank you

[@yvonnekneeshaw2784]

What a beautiful story of community and those who make visions happen. ❤️🇨🇦

[@proudchristian77]

Thank you ladies for making quilts, they are sweet , 💖 🐕

[@psalmhawkins1202]

Gorgeous place & just added it to my bucket list

[@edmu9799]

those kids will be back give them time .

[@jamesphillips3521]

I am so very proud of this Fogo reality and their beautiful people - showing their home and what they do best! Thank You MISS Fogo!! ❤

[@kamelaparis7489]

This is amazingly beautiful . I am rooting and praying for you all and when I have enough money I’ll come stay, I hope someday at that beautiful hotel for a Holliday … if I’m lucky to ever get one .🍀🙏😘👏

[@oneirishpoet]

Yeah sure go ahead and spend $2000/ night at the hotel

[@mollyhorse]

I would love to go there and stay in that gorgeous inn!!

[@ramones500]

Amazing story. Wish them the best

[@tsmotherof3]

I was ready to go till I heard the room rates. So sorry this experience is out of my budget….and I have a pretty good budget. Sad this type of tourism was probably needed to save the island. Sadder still some locals find it hard to afford. I do like the fact new opportunities are being created for locals

[@fremontpathfinder8463]

There are other hotels on Fogel Island that are much less

[@computron5824]

It's a heartwarming story but those rates are unreasonable for the majority of people. It's a 3 night minimum at close to $2,000 usd per night, and it's going up to $2,213 usd per night in 2023.

[@unclebennyscreepycampfires6828]

Glad to see your comment, vs. all the sycophants oohing & ahhing over this. This is what I had commented: "I see an ego-driven woman who is ruining the very thing she claims to be trying to save. $2000 a night is a strata for mainly very wealthy people, the island is on its way to becoming an enclave for the rich, where the natives are all servants, & their children can't afford to live there, except in cheap housing, vs. the second homes of the uber wealthy. Just my opinion, I could be wrong. I believe the woman holding her hand & singing "Just leave well enough alone", was passive-aggressively telling her where to go..."

[@marcusboehm2421]

Respect and love to the woman, to bring back and preserve what s the people, history, life and culture , and create future based on the the people and roots. Organic turism at its best. Thank you for the inspiration

[@AudreyHeadley]

Much respect to this lady 👏

[@shinlanten]

*_13:12_**_ "Be satisfied, with what you got...leave well enough...alone"_* Almost sounds like a warning 😬

[@HumanLinkCenter]

Cheers and sharing tears of joy...from Bangkok..your story resonates...

[@theresaconner]

It's no accident that she uses the term 'dignity' so much... emotional intelligence, cultural acuity and what a lovely legacy she's leaving in her lifetime.

[@seadrifter8975]

I remember watching a 2012 documentry on RTE about this island. Great to see that industry and people have returned to it .

[@DerMig590]

Sustainable beauty and a wonderful culture. Hopefully they're not done trying to diversify. Can't wait to visit ❤️

[@The_PaleHorseman]

I like that she did this, she could have gone anywhere but she went home. Respect her for that.

[@anndreastembridge367]

Excellent story, great information. Definitely on my list to visit; looks like my kind of community. Stay safe and warm.🥳😇

[@brendatenorio5721]

She's amazing!

[@u.s.m.c.fewproudthemarines2987]

Yes she is

[@davebenson1504]

Brought tears to my eyes...

[@bobtreiber8556]

Great story, great people. Wishing all the island people the best. Thanks Zeta.

[@mmeb7250]

" What are we optimizing for? We are optimizing for place; we are optimizing for community". Love to hear this intentional choice.

[@jennodine]

More businesses need to ask themselves what they’re optimizing for - and their answer should be something other than “profits”. Businesses should always serve a greater good than making someone rich.

[@pierre-ig1dj]

Sweet. Simple. Heart warming

[@douggrabill]

Lovely that she gave back but terrible design…. A true modern art masterpiece

[@PYN111]

I have to agree… sorry… but the exterior of the inn is an eyesore. I can’t imagine the locals like that on their ancient horizon.

[@vanzarockin]

I love it, as it resembles the fishing stages along the island.

[@PamOrl]

This is how people with big money can give back. Kudos to Zita Cobb, “optimizing for community”.

[@gsk1848]

Love the song lyrics: be satisfied with what you got. What a beautiful reminder.

[@wetwriterrr]

This is astounding! When I make my first 20 million I will invest in this astounding community. And, I am a U.S.. citizen

[@zokitchvlog]

Fantastic

[@tylervanmiddendorp6706]

She’s an earth angel🥰

[@blakeaaron5698]

Great story, and excellent illustration of conscientious capitalism (a true top-down story where it actually seems to be working as intended).

[@afdchocolatemilk2107]

As a child of a family that was born and raised in and on western PEI I can relate.

[@pattimaeda6097]

$2000/night is insane