Re: "Don't change nature of Central Saanich," Feb. 17.

This letter disgusts me as a First Nations person.

We were not asked if non-First Nations people could live around, with or near us.

We were not asked about the millions of homes, condos, shopping centres and casinos, or the Bear Mountain dilemma. Now look at it.

Yet when First Nations try to do something to get out of poverty, we are shut down, denied, without being given a chance. I am appalled that some non-natives still try to keep the First Nations the "low man on the totem pole."

We try to keep Mother Earth green and are frustrated at the way our lives had to change. We had to arrange our livelihoods around the overpopulation in Canada (our home and native land). We were taught when to harvest on land and sea.

It is our turn to move forward and say, "You (some) non-natives need to fit into our world. We shouldn't have to fit into yours."

We didn't ask to be living on such small reserves - we were told to by your government.

If you have land, thank a First Nations person. We were the ones who had to give up so much just so people could move here.

Out of respect to Coast Salish elders and native people around Canada, I support any businesses that would arise on reserves.

Angela Cooper

Saanichton