First Nations say pride, not money is true legacy from 2010 Olympics

By The Canadian Press

VANCOUVER, B.C. - The four First Nations whose land plays host to next month's Olympics say the true legacy of the Games for them isn't financial.

Each of the four bands signed multi-million cash-and-land deals with government for their support of the Games, though much of that largesse has yet to be used.

The Games have also created opportunities for aboriginal businesses and artists.

But band leaders say for all the financial benefit, the true power of the Games has been the creation of positive relationships between aboriginal people and business and community leaders.

The challenge now becomes turning those relationships into something meaningful once the Olympics are over.

One thing they're exploring is turning the not-for-profit society overseeing their role into a corporate consulting entity to help others work with First Nations to the same extent as Games planners.