What is the ATNS Database?

The Agreements, Treaties and Negotiated Settlements database (ATNS) is an online gateway to a wealth of information relating to agreements between Indigenous peoples and others in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Canada.

The database offers a range of features including background information on each agreement and related parties; links to related agreements, organisations, signatories and events; a glossary of relevant terminology as well as direct access to published and on-line resources.

The ATNS Database provides information to Indigenous communities themselves who seek ongoing support in their engagement with a range of different parties in agreement-making; Private sector corporations who seek a 'licence to operate' in concluding agreements with Indigenous peoples; and Governments whose responsibilities include interventions aimed at economic and social development and service delivery for the welfare of citizens. The database is also a useful tool for anyone engaged in further research on agreement making, negotiation and implementation.

The database contains information on the following:

• Agreements - e.g. Native Title Consent Determinations, Indigenous Land Use Agreements, Regional Agreements, Memoranda of Understanding
• Organisations - e.g. government bodies and departments, Aboriginal Corporations
• Legislation - e.g. The Native Title Act 1993 (Cth)
• Case Law – e.g Mabo v Queensland [No 2] (1992) 175 CLR 1
• Events - e.g. Statements, Protocols, Conventions
• Concepts - e.g. Native Title, Consent Determinations etc.

It also includes information on relevant places, individuals and peoples. The database excludes any confidential information.

How do I find agreements on the database?

From the ATNS Home Page you can browse or search the database, or use the locate function to find agreements by location.

Browse:

The ‘Browse’ page allows you to browse agreements by categories. This function is most useful if you are looking for agreements in a particular country, or on a particular topic, e.g. ’health’. The browse function allows you to browse by categories including subject matter, events, legislation, case law, people and organisations. To browse the database, click ‘Browse’ on the navigation panel to the left of the ATNS Home Page.

Search:

The ‘Search’ function allows you to search the database by entering the name of an agreement or related keywords. This tool is most useful if you know the name of the agreements you are looking for, or are searching for agreements in a particular area. Searches can be refined by selecting a category, subject, location or year. To search the database, click ‘Search’ on the navigation panel to the left of the ATNS Home Page.

Locate:

For agreements located in Australia, the ‘Locate’ function allows you to find agreements using an interactive mapping tool. To use the locate function, click ‘Locate’ on the navigation panel to the left of the ATNS homepage and use the map to find agreements in a particular location.

Other Information on the Website.

Other information about agreement making in the Australian and international context can be viewed by clicking on the available links from the Home Page:

Overview
Outlines the major aims and objectives of the ATNS Project.

Details
Provides further details of the ATNS Project including information on: the original Project outline; background to the Project; significance of the Project; advancing the knowledge base; the research design and method; training; Industry Partner commitment and collaboration; the National benefit; communication of results; references; and further reading.

ATNS Publications
A bibliography of published books, chapters and journal articles as well as conference papers and workshop or seminar presentations that have resulted from the ATNS Project.

Online Resources
Provides a gateway to online resources relating to agreement making in Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

Recommended Reading
A detailed bibliography of books and other resources relating to agreement making in Australia, Canada and New Zealand

Agreement Making
Contains background information on the history and process of agreement making with Indigenous peoples in Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

Gallery
Photos of ATNS Researchers and key events.

Glossary
Provides background information on relevant terminology

If you have information to contribute to the ATNS database or would like to know more about the project, please contact:

Odette Mazel
Research Fellow and Project Manager
Agreements, Treaties and Negotiated Settlements Project
Centre for Health and Society
The University of Melbourne
Ph: +61 3 8344 9160