Northern News Services

Inuvik (July 08/05) - The Deh Cho First Nations (DFN) is prepared to sign an agreement that will bring to an end the lawsuits that are obstructing the proposed Mackenzie Valley Pipeline.

In addition to getting $15 million in federal money, part of which will fund the DFN's participation in the environmental review process, the agreement will prohibit the DFN from filing further litigation against the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act, with respect to the pipeline, for seven years.

Last August, the DFN filed legal action against the federal government and regulatory agencies overseeing the pipeline in its attempt to garner a larger role in the environmental assessment process.