Vancouver Island First Nation awarded $13.9M in logging dispute

A Vancouver Island First Nation says that almost 68 years afterCanada refused to protect its timber interests, justice has beenserved.

A panel that decides First Nations' claims has awarded the Huu-ay-aht$13.9 million over a disputedlogging licence.

The specific claims tribunal had ruled in 2014 that the federal government "failed completely" in its duty to consult the FirstNation when it issued a logging licence to a company called BSW in1942 with a special condition that allowed it a 21-year term thatcould be renewed.

The Huu-ay-aht petitioned the government to cancel the agreementwhen it learned of the license in 1948, arguing it would not fullybenefit from the lumber sales, but Canada allowed BSW tocontinue logging until 1969.

Chief Coun.Robert Dennis said the ruling marked a great day for the Huu-ay-aht.

"Justice has been served almost 68 years after Canada refused to protect our timber interests," he said in a statement.

The small First Nation community is located near Bamfield on the west coast of Vancouver Island.