While it is somewhat covered in secrecy, the implications I got regarding the Makah's and their right to whaling is that it all gets down to money and power. The Tribe has the right to whale and can do it any time the want. The problem is that key players (non tribal) appear to have leaned on the tribe and told them that if they do it on their own, they can forget about a having friends at the BIA or when it comes time for Congress to hand out funds. I was on the reservation a few years back for a what is known as Makah Days. Senator Maria Cantwell came riding by in a car during their parade. The tribe has around 2500 members, so I can guarantee she did not make the trip to garner votes. In fact, I was with a tribal member and had been telling him that the tribes own the State. I don't think he believed me until she drove by. He was laughing about it because I think I was about the only person around who even recognized her. The tribes have some powerful friends and want to keep them. In addition, with the Casino's bringing in Millions, they want to stay under the radar as much as possible. This is, I believe, the reason why we have also not seen wide scale culling by any of the tribes.