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The federal government is appealing a decision by a special claims tribunal to award $13.8 million in compensation to a Vancouver Island First Nation over a historic logging dispute.

The Huu-ay-aht First Nation, based in Anacla near Bamfield, received notice of appeal on Thursday.

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The specific-claims tribunal, which hears claims by First Nations against the federal government regarding past wrongs, found the federal government failed in its duty to the community relating to logging contracts between 1948 and 1969.

“This decision to appeal is outrageous,” said Huu-ay-aht First Nations Chief Coun. Robert Dennis. “Part of our reconciliation to this long-term dispute was to seek fair compensation. We trusted Canada’s judicial processes to achieve this, but we are extremely disappointed to hear this will be further prolonged.”

Dennis said a judicial review is unfair, a waste of taxpayers’ money and prolongs a clear decision in favour of the band.