International Treaties
ATNS provides a snapshot of treaties between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples internationally.
Many settler states have entered into treaties with the First Nations peoples on whose land the nation was established. Australia is one of the only Commonwealth countries without a treaty with its First Nations peoples.
Each treaty has its own unique and complex history. Understanding the backgrounds to these treaties can inform current negotiations. ATNS includes brief information on treaties in Commonwealth settler states.
Canada
There are a number of treaties between First Nations peoples in Canada and the State. These treaties have constitutional recognition and often involve monetary payments or other entitlements in exchange for First Nations Canadians sharing their interests in ancestral lands.
New Zealand
The Treaty of Waitangi was initially signed in 1840 between the British Crown and approximately 45 Maori chiefs. The Treaty was intended by the Maori to require the British Crown to preserve law and order between Maori and Pakeha (European settlers), to protect Maori trade, and to guarantee Maori control of land and other resources.
United States
Between 1788 and 1871, 370 treaties with First Nations peoples were negotiated to establish borders and set out rights and responsibilities between the parties. These had to be ratified by the United States Senate. Since the treaty-making period, relations with American Indians have been governed by Congressional Acts, Executive Orders, and Executive Agreements.