Who is maria in the book sign of the beaver?

In "Sign of the Beaver" by Elizabeth George Speare, Maria is a minor character who is the daughter of the main character's father's friend, and she represents the connection between the protagonist, Matt, and the outside world. She does not play a central role in the story but serves to highlight themes of friendship and cultural exchange. Her interactions reflect the broader context of relationships between Native Americans and settlers during that time period.