Question

Why wouldn't Tisquantum recognize the label indian?

Answer 1

Answer:

Tisquantum did not consider himself an "Indian" as that was a European term. He regarded himself first and foremost as a citizen of Patuxet, where he was part of his village with his people.

Explanation:

Tisquantum (also known as Squanto) was one of the early liaison figures between the Mayflower pilgrims and the Patuxet people who were indigenous to what would become New England. He was eventually taken to Spain by Thomas Hunt and he was educated by monks before making his way back to what would become Plymouth.  Unfortunately, when he returned from Europe in 1619 he found that his people had died from an epidemic. He was thus an English-speaking Native American already in place as the pilgrims arrived on the Mayflower in 1620.