The political conflict was not central.

The survival of Wampanoag peoples into the present was often not central either.

A more accurate memory does not have to destroy gratitude.

It does have to make room for history.

Tisquantum’s life is one of the places where that history becomes unavoidable.

The Question Of Choice

A central tension in Tisquantum’s biography is the problem of choice under conditions created by force.

He chose to help Plymouth.

But he did not choose the kidnapping that taught him English.

He chose to act as an intermediary.