Reply #60: The treaty does not specify traditional methods, only traditional grounds

[cgrindley]

read it for yourself:

ARTICLE 4.

The right of taking fish and of whaling or sealing at usual and accustomed grounds and stations is
further secured to said Indians in common with all citizens of the United States, and of erecting
temporary houses for the purpose of curing, together with the privilege of hunting and gathering
roots and berries on open and unclaimed lands: Provided, however, That they shall not take shell-
fish from any beds staked or cultivated by citizens.


The right of ... whaling... at usual and accustomed grounds.


That doesn't specify harpooning or tickling the whales to death. The Makah can obviously use any method they want. Unless you really want them repeatedly harpooning whales to slowly meet a very very protracted death. Personally, I don't care. But a lot of people around here probably do. Shooting them after a token harpooning is probably the best way all around.