Final answer:
Squanto, a member of the Pawtuxet tribe of the Wampanoag Confederacy, taught the Pilgrims how to grow corn using local herring to fertilize the soil and played a key role in mediating agreements between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Wampanoag Indian who taught the Pilgrims to grow corn was Squanto, a member of the Pawtuxet tribe of the Wampanoag Confederacy. Squanto's assistance came after he had returned from England, where he had spent some time after being kidnapped. His knowledge of English and his agricultural techniques, including the use of local herring to fertilize the soil, were instrumental in the success of the Pilgrims' crops, particularly maize.
Relations between the Wampanoag tribe and the Pilgrims were complex, involving various treaties and hostilities over several decades. For example, in 1621, thanks to Squanto's mediation, an agreement was reached between Governor Carver and the Wampanoag sachem Massasoit.