The first of six billboards has been erected by the Squamish First Nation beside the Burrard Bridge on reserve land. (CBC)

The Squamish First Nation has erected the first of its six controversial electronic billboards at the south end of the Burrard Bridge in Vancouver.

While many Vancouver residents objected to the electronic signs, which measure three metres high by nine metres wide, the program was approved by the federal government early this year.

Squamish Chief Bill Williams said the signs will bring in much needed revenue to fund band programs.

"It is a new and different long-term stream of funds that will be coming in to help support programs and services for our community members," said Williams.

Five other billboards will be installed on Squamish reserves on the North Shore near the on-ramps for the Lions Gate and Iron Workers Memorial bridges, and just south of the town of Squamish on the Sea-to-Sky Highway, over the next two weeks.