"This is an excellent and amazing opportunity for my people" says Chief Morley Googoo, adding he’s not out to promote golf, but to provide unemployment for native people. The community of Waycobah First Nation has a population of roughly 700, with an unemployment rate of approximately 40%. Despite its beautiful setting, development in the area has long been hampered by the land claim issue, for many residents have no legal deed to their homes.

The proposed site, Indian Island, is a hilly, 167-acre island lying in Whycocomagh Bay between Skye Mountain and Salt Mountain, easily visible from the TransCanada Highway. Phase 1 of the 8.5 million dollar project will see the construction of the golf course and temporary clubhouse on the island. Phase 2 involves the construction of a convention centre across the water from the island. Funding for the project is not definite; the council is still pulling together funds and lining up investors. They hope, however, to begin construction in August and to have Phase 1 completed in a year. Eighty jobs will be created by the project.

Known for his 'environment-friendly' course designs, American course designer and developer Rick Smith has been chosen to develop the course. A PGA tour coach and one of the world’s top golf course architects, Smith is apparently very excited about the project, calling the site "a made for TV setting." He recently developed a course for the Oneida Reservation in Verona, New York. The Whycocomagh course, if all goes well for the band council, will be his first Canadian course. "Every hole will be a signature hole, with beautiful views of the mountains and the water," says Chief Googoo. Golfers will be ferried across to the course, which will probably be quite hilly and physically demanding to play.

The 167-acre island is covered in mixed forest and home to the usual array of wildlife, including the odd moose and at least 2 pairs of nesting bald eagles. Most of the island will have to be cleared for the project. Bobby Gould of the Waycobah Fish and Wildlife Service says that much study still has to be done to anticipate the effects of the course on the surrounding environment, especially the risk of increased silt levels running into the Lake. The effect of the course on migratory waterfowl must also be taken into consideration.

Not surprisingly, there has been some protest. The project was not actually due to be announced for several months, but came to public attention after two natives spoke to the media about their concerns. John Syliboy and Troy Gould say that there is an ancient burial ground on the island. "When you find a burial ground and artifacts on sacred ground, you can’t develop on it," Gould told a reporter. The two also feel the course will have detrimental effects on the local eel fishery (which is closed this season) and bald eagle population. Both men were unable to be reached for further comment.

Chief Googoo says he has never heard of burial grounds on the island, but says the council will look into the possibility. "After all, if there is a burial ground, they would be my ancestors too."  According to Bobby Gould, a team of archaeologists will soon be arriving to look for evidence of the burial grounds. If found, the course will be designed so as to leave that area undisturbed, as will the area where the bald eagles nest.

Chief Googoo acknowledges there will probably be more protest as the plans move ahead, but remains optimistic. He invites anyone with concerns to bring them to him. "I don’t mind opposition, it makes me rethink things, but the official announcement is still a few months away." He wishes the protesters had taken their concerns to the band council before going public and feels they don’t really understand the wonderful opportunity this project is for the community. "At the end of the day, it is up to my people. I want them to be well-informed, for they will be the ones who decide."

As do many others, Chief Googoo feels the only way to improve Cape Breton’s economy is through tourism. There are at least three new courses planned for Cape Breton, and with four courses of varying styles already located along the Cabot Trail alone, he sees no reason why Cape Breton can’t become a popular destination for golfers. Highland Links Golf Course in Ingonish has been ranked among the top 100 courses in the world, and the new Bell Bay Golf Course in Baddeck has also received high praise.

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