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DEH CHO - The Dehcho First Nations hasn't reached an agreement in principal with Imperial Oil concerning the Mackenzie Gas Project.

"There's no agreement that I'm aware of," said Grand Chief Jerry Antoine of the Dehcho First Nations (DFN).

However, DFN does have an access and benefits committee examining how to resolve issues related to the pipeline, said Antoine. Currently some members of the committee are travelling to Deh Cho communities to share updated information on how the negotiations are progressing, he said.

DFN leadership will be meeting in Fort Simpson from Feb. 23 to 27 for their annual winter leadership meeting. Antoine is expecting an update on access and benefits to be presented at that time.

Approximately 40 per cent of the proposed Mackenzie Gas pipeline would pass through DFN's traditional lands. The Dehcho are the only aboriginal group along the route that have not expressed support for the project.

A spokesperson with Imperial Oil, the main backer for the project, confirmed that no agreement has been reached with DFN.

Imperial Oil has made very encouraging progress in discussions with Dehcho negotiators, said Pius Rolheiser.

The two groups have reached agreements on many matters but there are still others that remain unresolved at this point, he said.

"I would say we have made encouraging progress in recent discussions," said Rolheiser.

"We're closer than we've ever been but some work remains to be done."

Imperial Oil has had ongoing discussions with DFN negotiators for a few years. Last year and continuing into this year the progress has been "very, very encouraging," Rolheiser said.

The company is looking forward to continuing constructive talks with DFN, said Rolheiser.