It is as old or older than some Indian treaties. From this example, it is easy to see why treaties between nations must be and are honored. The rights belong to the tribe as a body. Therefore, a person can exercise the tribally-owned treaty rights only as a member of the tribe under the regulations the tribe has established. Determination of tribal membership is achieved through the tribe, as a sovereign self-regulating government.
Tribes determine membership through varying criteria.
Some, for instance, use blood quantum, while others may use birthright. However, some like to argue that if the Chippewa want to exercise rights retained in old treaties, they should use those old methods and equipment. However, if that argument is pursued, the Chippewa could likewise insist that all the development and exploitation that has diminished the resources on the ceded lands should be removed as well. Rolling back time for one side of the argument is neither logical nor fair. Traditions in all cultures are carried on through generations and naturally change based on the technological advances that are afforded us.