Here's why that's likely:
* Language Barriers: The Wampanoag people, who lived in the area, spoke their own language, not English. Communication between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag relied heavily on interpreters and gestures.
* Early Relations: While the Pilgrims and Wampanoag initially had a peaceful relationship, it wasn't one of close friendship. The relationship was more about survival and cooperation, driven by the need for mutual understanding and assistance.
* Squanto: The most well-known figure who helped the Pilgrims was Squanto, a Patuxet man (a tribe closely related to the Wampanoag) who had learned English while living in Europe. He played a crucial role in translating and mediating between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag, helping them survive their first winter and establish trade. However, he was not a lifelong friend but rather a crucial figure in their early days.
While the idea of a close, English-speaking Indian friend may be a romanticized notion, the reality was far more complex and nuanced. The relationship between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag was a delicate one, constantly evolving based on shared needs and shifting power dynamics.