The 2010 Games are being hailed as groundbreaking for the unprecedented amount of Aboriginal participation and support. But some people are questioning how much it will actually benefit the average band member.

The four host nations will receive millions of dollars in taxpayer money - a pre-emptive move by Olympic organizers to keep a lid on Olympic protests. The Musqueam band on the southwest corner of Vancouver has received $17 million.

Chief Ernie Campbell says support of the band is key to the success of the upcoming Games.

"Without the support of First Nations, there would be no 2010," he said.

The four chiefs welcoming the world to their traditional territory have always maintained they must have full participation.

"Not as window dressing or the token Indian," Cambell said.

Band members hope participation will mean more respect and prosperity for their community long after the Olympics.

"The main priority [is] land acquisition and economic development," Campbell said.

The band has already navigated several successful land deals, including the River Rock Casino in Richmond and the University of B.C. Golf Course.

Musqueam also owns a prime piece of real estate next to the Shaughnessy Golf Course on Marine Drive. With the help of Olympic money the band is considering developing a hotel or some other business that would last long after the Games.

Renovating the children's playground is one of the priorities for Olympic legacy money, but critics say housing should be the top priority. Many homes on the reserve are suffering from leaking and mould issues.

Band member Mike Sparrow says some residents have been trying for years to get the band to fix homes.

"We're in a desperate situation here," he says.

"It's a sad situation in this community that young people are allowed to live like this. It's unhealthy and people have been getting sick from this."

Campbell said the band would do what it can.

"If there are monies available we still have to sit down as a council and implement and do the best we can," he said.

Since CTV interviewed Campbell, he has since committed to cleaning up the reserve, and has hired Sparrow to help assist the effort. Next week, the clean up team will start sprucing up the reserve in preparation of the Torch Relay that will come through reserve lands on February 11th. Artists have also been commissioned to create welcome figures at the entrance.

Meanwhile, as the band figures out the best way to capitalize on Olympic money, it's also being given a chance to showcase its culture to the world.

Weavers like Robyn Sparrow have resurrected an art that was lost for a century. Her group is creating a blanket the chief will wear during the opening ceremonies.

"We just wanted to make a really strong impact," Sparrow said.

Wearing traditional regalia, the chiefs will be walking in with other political leaders as the world watches the start of the Games.

"One of the greatest things that have been recognized that's long overdue is being recognized as head of state," Campbell said.

Watch CTV News at Six for a full report from Mi-Jung Lee